Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin Hosts Record-Breaking Sneaker Soiree Gala
MILWAUKEE, WI - Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin celebrated its largest annual Sneaker Soiree to date on Friday, February 27, 2026, welcoming a record-breaking crowd and raising nearly $240,000 to expand programming and financial assistance for girls across Southeastern Wisconsin. The annual event was presented by Baird.
Held at the Pfister Hotel, the high-energy evening brought together community leaders, corporate partners, volunteers, and passionate supporters in a powerful show of commitment to inspiring confidence and joy in young girls.
The event was emceed by Camille Ffrench of Concordia University Wisconsin and GOTR Board Member, who brought energy and enthusiasm to the celebration. Event co-chairs Alicia Kiser of M3 and Greg Wesley of Greater Milwaukee Foundation shared powerful stories of their experience volunteering and supporting Girls on the Run, highlighting the organization's transformative role in building confidence and leadership skills in young girls.
“The energy in the room was absolutely electric,” said Tina Jones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin. “This community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our program. Because of the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees, we are able to reach more girls, remove financial barriers, and ensure every participant crosses her own finish line with confidence.”
The event featured an inspiring program, DJ, silent and live auctions and Bars & Rec hosted their engaging 20-Second Challenge Activation and That's Right, Sweetie! provided the end-of-night treats.
Funds raised from the Sneaker Soiree will allow the organization to serve more girls in 2026, expand to new schools and community sites as well as provide increased financial assistance, shoes and healthy snacks so every girl—regardless of financial circumstances—can participate in the life-changing program.
Energy Awards Honor Impactful Partners
Continuing a cherished Girls on the Run tradition, the organization presented its annual Energy Awards—recognizing partners who exemplify enthusiasm, teamwork, and positivity.
The Corporate Energy Award was presented to the Women’s Initiative Network at Direct Supply for their compassionate leadership, including hosting the GOTR inaugural FUEL HER FUTURE event and providing hands-on volunteer support.
The Community Energy Award was awarded to We Energies Foundation for their creative “Ks for a Cause” initiative. Through the program, $25 was donated for every strikeout pitched by a home team pitcher last regular season—raising nearly $20,000 for Girls on the Run while elevating awareness throughout the community.
Honoring Legacy Through Scholarship
The evening concluded with one of the organization’s most meaningful recognitions—the Brenda Quick Alumni Scholarship, honoring the legacy of a founding supporter whose joy, generosity, and unwavering belief in Girls on the Run helped shape the organization.
This year’s scholarship was awarded to Girls on the Run alum Lila, a senior from Wauwatosa East High School, who embodies the program’s values of confidence, courage, and compassion as she pursues her higher education goals.
With record attendance, record fundraising, and record energy, the 2026 Sneaker Soiree proved once again that when a community comes together to champion girls, the impact is limitless.
Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin extends a heartfelt thank you to all sponsors, donors, in-kind supporters and volunteers who made the Sneaker Soiree a success, including Presenting Sponsor - Baird; Guardians of the Girls Sponsor - Agustin Ramirez; Empowerment Superhero Sponsors - Bader Philanthropies, Foley & Lardner LLP, Galin Education, M3, Greater Milwaukee Foundation; table sponsors - Cathy Shaw FRG Team-Keller Williams, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Brewers Community Foundation, Ground Floor Media, KPMG, Palermo’s, Volition Yoga, UMB, Godfrey & Kahn, We Energies Foundation, and Fairtree Properties; and In-Kind Sponsors - Boelter + Lincoln, BVK, Bars & Rec, Biz Times Media, BreakThru Beverage Company and That’s Right Sweetie. Their support ensures that more girls across Southeastern Wisconsin can experience the transformative impact of Girls on the Run.
For more information about Girls on the Run and to learn about the program and upcoming Celebratory Spring 5K on May 31, 2026 at American Family Field, please visit www.GOTRSEWI.org or call 414.367.8171.
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About Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization with local Councils in all 50 states. Starting in Southeastern Wisconsin in 2007, the local chapter has inspired over 23,000 girls in 3rd - 8th grade to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Trained volunteer coaches lead small teams through an eight-week curriculum that includes dynamic discussions, activities, and fun running games equipping girls with the tools they need to navigate adolescence and beyond. The program culminates with a community service project and a celebratory 5K event, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment. Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin serves the seven-county area including Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties.