Joplin Teen Advances in National Super Kid Contest
Denver Ackerson moves into the quarterfinals of the fundraising competition to win a trip to L.A. Comic Con.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Thirteen-year-old Joplin resident Denver Ackerson has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Super Kid competition. The national fundraiser, organized by the Stan Lee Foundation, narrows the field of contestants as they compete for a trip to L.A. Comic Con.
Why it matters
Ackerson entered the competition to honor his admiration for Stan Lee. His participation in the event draws national attention to his personal journey following his diagnosis with CHD8 at age four.
The competition field has been reduced from an initial 75,000 entrants to 1,000 remaining participants. Denver Ackerson is among those continuing in the voting and donation-based process.
The players
Denver Ackerson
A 13-year-old student from Joplin who is currently competing in a national fundraising contest.
Stan Lee Foundation
A non-profit organization that manages the Super Kid competition and promotes literacy, education, and the arts.
Abernathy Roofing and Construction
A Joplin-based business that is providing community support for Ackerson during the competition.
The details
Ackerson, who was diagnosed with CHD8 at age four, has garnered local backing from Abernathy Roofing and Construction. Participants advance through a process that relies on public voting and charitable donations to move forward in the rankings.
Timeline
Public voting for the upcoming quarterfinal round begins October 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
This event reflects the ongoing trend of foundation-led fundraising initiatives that leverage fan engagement to drive charitable contributions. It highlights how non-profits capitalize on pop culture icons to organize large-scale competitive events.
Joplin residents can participate in the ongoing fundraising process by casting votes for local contestants. These contributions directly impact the standing of participants as they work toward the grand prize.
The takeaway
Community support serves as a critical component for young contestants navigating national fundraising platforms. Residents can follow the advancement of local participants to see how regional engagement influences large-scale contest outcomes.
What happens next
Public voting for the competition is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
More information
View the current competition contestant voting profile for more details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAM News Now.
Live Poll
Does local community support make a meaningful difference for local contestants in national competitions?
