When fashion meets philanthropy, magic happens. Change Our Future, an organization started by Cleveland Browns safety Rodney McLeod alongside his wife, Erika, to empower and educate youth in underserved communities.
The event was held at Vie by Cescaphe on Thursday, June 20 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. The jam-packed five hours included a VIP pre-reception, red carpet, music, sneaker activations and photo opportunities. The most important event of the night was raising $50,000 to continue providing educational programs and initiatives across the country.
This staple event started four years ago, when the McLeods sought out a need for helping Philadelphia youth excel in their communities.
“It started in the community there, getting involved, that’s something that was always apart of Erika and I,” Rodney said. “Because of who we are and how we both were raised, we just wanted to get out and make a difference.”
Thus, the Change Our Future foundation was born. Started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the McLeods worked tirelessly to combat the issues that youth in the tri-state area face. Some of the issues stem from barriers in healthcare, education, and issues with gun violence.
The night continued with a live and silent auction, all ways in which to raise their $50,000 goal. Guests were frequently encouraged to donate whatever they could – where in years past there was more structure to what you could donate.
Special guests included Eagles Brandon Graham, a handful of players that Rodney played with like Colts’ Zaire Franklin. Guests who’ve attended the gala in the past include Jordan Mailata, Jason Kelce and Jalen Hurts.
Between the dancing and donating, guests enjoyed fun photo opportunities and the best quality food that Philadelphia has to offer. There were cheesecake eggrolls (yes you read that right), high quality Chinese food and countless tables of delicacies from the Vie by Cescaphe.
The night was a perfect reminder that the youth in Philadelphia are important, the things that they face is unfortunate but we can easily make change.
Though Rodney no longer sports a midnight green jersey, Philadelphia will always be home to him and Erika.
“I think it’s important for us to keep Change Our Future existing here in Philly as well as some of the other programs that we’ll touch on, but we felt as though being here for six years, Philadelphia became home for us,” Rodney said.
First & Jenn 
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