Valeo's Unmasking Stigma fundraiser is back for its 6th year!

November 8, 2025
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Townsite Avenue Ballroom
534 S Kansas Ave

This year's event will feature keynote speaker and best-selling author, Liz Murray. Murray was the child of drug-addicted parents and became homeless at age 15. Determined not to be defined by her circumstances, she earned her high school diploma in just two years and won a scholarship to Harvard University that would change her life. Murray is the subject of Lifetime Television’s Emmy-nominated original film, "Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story."

Melissa Brunner, WIBW's News Director, will be the event emcee. The evening will include live music by Cleveland Blue, delicious food, lots of laughs, a silent auction, and Unmasking Stigma’s signature Battle of the Masks live auction.

To make the evening even more special, we will be presenting the Hope Humanitarian Award to Barry Feaker, CEO of Compassion Strategies, and the Mental Health Awareness Warrior Award to Mary Flin, who played a key role in launching The Urban Ministry Institute of Topeka and the Seminary of Urban Leadership.

Unmasking Stigma is an alcohol-free event. Festive attire requested.

This page will be the main hub for Unmasking Stigma, allowing you to purchase tickets, browse silent and live auction items as they are added, or to make a donation before, during, or after the event.

If you have any questions about Unmasking Stigma, please feel free to reach out to Mikki Burcher, fundraising specialist, at mburcher@valeotopeka.org.

Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors!

Hungry Hungry Hippos