A Festive Evening: The Mission Project’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Thanks to the generosity of Thrivent for the delicious spread of food!
The holiday season was in full swing as participants of The Mission Project gathered for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and holiday cheer at the annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party. The event was a joyful celebration of togetherness, belonging, and community spirit, featuring an array of activities and treats for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks to the generosity of Thrivent, the party kicked off with a delicious spread of food that kept everyone energized for the night ahead. Guests indulged in festive cookies and drinks while admiring the fun decorations, which included colorful balloons and a balloon arch that set the perfect holiday mood.
A special Hanukkah table (courtesy of participant parents, Ed and Marcia)
No holiday party is complete without music and dancing, and this event did not disappoint! Karaoke brought out talent (and plenty of laughs), while the dance floor stayed busy with participants showing off their best moves.
For those who wanted to get creative, craft stations provided a fun outlet to make festive keepsakes, while games (thanks to the Rockhurst OT group) brought out a playful spirit of competition and, of course, prizes. A special Hanukkah table (courtesy of participant parents, Ed and Marcia) added another layer of festive fun. There was also a photo booth and a Polaroid camera, giving guests a chance to capture and take home memories from the night.
Leigh Anna with her special keepsake book filled with Mission Project memories
A particularly heartfelt moment of the evening came when Leigh Anna, a former participant of The Mission Project, was presented with a special keepsake book filled with photos from her time with the organization. Once a participant, always a participant—Leigh Anna’s presence reminded everyone of the lasting bonds formed within this community. She tearily accepted the gift and shared touching words of thanks, expressing how much she missed and loved everyone.
Of course, a highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated Ugly Sweater Contest. Participants came in their most outrageous and creative sweaters in hopes of taking home one of the coveted prizes. The sweaters were a sight to behold, from light-up designs to festive holiday themes—everyone brought their A-game!
Ugly Sweater Contest Winners: First Place: Alex, Second Place: Kenzie, Third Place: Ryan
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party is always more than just a night of fun; it is a celebration of the incredible community that The Mission Project fosters. Events like these remind us of the joy that comes from belonging, sharing laughs, making memories and being a part of a community that’s bigger than any one person.
Thank you to everyone who helpd and participated – Parent Volunteers: Kellie, Sean and Rachelle, Kim and Rob, Amy, Pam, Scott and Judy, and a special shoutout to Charolotte, the participant support specialist and Elisa our intern from KU, for making the night extra special with their support. Here’s to many more moments of holiday joy and community spirit in the years to come!
