October 1, 2022

Submitted by LaShawn Walker

The 10 year story and impact of Suburban Balance drew more than 300 attendees out to celebrate the difference the organization has made over the past 10 years at the Sept. 17 fundraiser dinner.

The organization hosted a fundraiser in honor of the past 10 years and the event drew a significant amount of support from the community, raising thousands in donations and sponsorship support. From the Mayor of Lee’s Summit Bill Baird to State Representative Keri Ingle (who presented Suburban Balance with a state resolution) and beyond, the Suburban Balance 10 year anniversary fundraiser was huge success that the community was proud to support.

“We are honored and thankful for the generous outpouring of support by the community which will help Suburban Balance continue it’s mission for many years to come”, said LaShawn Walker Founder and CEO of Suburban Balance. The theme for the anniversary celebration was Cheers to “10 Years, Our Story, Our Impact.”

From current students to alumni, many came to speak about the impact the non-profit has had on them and contributes much of their leadership skills and success to their involvement in Suburban Balance.

Mayor Baird spoke about the importance of Suburban Balance existing in the community. KSHB 41 news anchors Dia Covington and Kevin Holmes served as emcees. The surprise and highlight of the evening was when Missouri State Representative Ingle, presented a resolution to CEO and Founder, LaShawn Walker on the behalf of the Missouri House of Representatives recognizing the work of Suburban Balance, the impact and the difference the organization has made on community.

Jackson County Executive, Frank White, Jr. delivered a heartfelt tribute to Suburban Balance saying that if Suburban Balance had been around when he moved to Lee’s Summit 35 years ago he would have signed his children up. United WE CEO, Wendy Doyle had the honors of introducing, LaShawn to the stage.

LaShawn Walker is the founder, president and CEO of Suburban Balance, a non-profit family organization that provides educational and cultural opportunities to suburban kids of color to help ensure they experience a well-balanced lifestyle while growing up in their suburban communities or attend schools that lack diversity. LaShawn founded the non-profit in 2012 and to date more than 500 families from Missouri and Kansas have joined the organization.

During the past 10 years LaShawn and her leadership team along with SB family volunteers have made great progress on advocating for educational equity.

The organization has also tackled important issues such as mental health and has launched initiatives to try to close the wealth gap through its financial literacy programming. The organization’s educational programming helps prepare students to be leaders of today and leaders of tomorrow. The core values and focus areas of the non-profit include, entrepreneurship, real world learning, Equity in education, careers and workforce education, community support and educational equity advocacy.

The fundraising event received major support from the education community. Attendees included numerous area superintendents and district leaders. Lee’s Summit North Steppers gave a riveting performance along with other entertainers.

To learn more about Suburban Balance, connect with Suburban Balance via the “Suburban Balance” business Facebook page or on the website. Anyone looking for a difference making organization to get their youth involved should check out Suburban Balance’s mission and learn more by visiting their website: www.suburbanbalance.com.