Thundergong! Raises $1.4 Million for Steps of Faith
The celebrity karaoke fundraiser at Kansas City's Uptown Theater surpassed its 2025 total, with auctions still open through Thursday.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Thundergong! raised $1,425,888 for the Steps of Faith Foundation at its 10th anniversary event, held at the sold-out Uptown Theater on Saturday, November 14. The total exceeded the $1.1 million raised in 2025 and includes ticket sales, donations during the show, sponsors and two auctioned items.
Why it matters
The fundraiser's growth over its decade-long run shows sustained local support for the Steps of Faith Foundation in Kansas City. Because online raffles and auctions remain open, the final total could rise further.
Three pairs of Thundergong!-themed Nike Air Max 90s signed by 2026 guests sold for $25,000 each, and a $500 WyCo Vintage shopping spree with Sam Richardson sold for $25,000. Three bidders won a Ted Lasso London Experience for $55,000 each.
The players
Steps of Faith Foundation
The charitable organization that receives the proceeds from the Thundergong! fundraiser.
Jason Sudeikis
An actor and comedian who performed at the 2026 Thundergong! event.
"Weird" Al Yankovic
A musician and parodist who performed at the 2026 Thundergong! event.
The details
Celebrity performers including Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt and "Weird" Al Yankovic took the stage during the three-and-a-half-hour celebrity-led karaoke show. Donations were collected from attendees and online viewers during the event.
Timeline
2025: Thundergong! raised $1.1 million for the Steps of Faith Foundation.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: The 10th anniversary event was held at the Uptown Theater.
Thursday, November 20, 2026: Online raffles and auctions close at noon.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 total of $1,425,888 continues a rising pattern from the $1.1 million raised in 2025 at the same event. The 10th anniversary edition marks a decade of growth for the fundraiser's support of the Steps of Faith Foundation.
Anyone who wants to bid on remaining raffles or auctions must act before noon Thursday, November 20. Donations can still be made to support the Steps of Faith Foundation through the event's online offerings.
The takeaway
Community fundraisers that combine entertainment with auctions can grow steadily over time, as Thundergong! has done across ten years. Supporting local charities through events like this helps sustain their work year after year.
What happens next
Online raffles and auctions for Thundergong! close at noon on Thursday, November 20, 2026, when the final total may be updated.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how Kansas City charitable fundraising compares.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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