The Bright Soles Bash Helps Jonathan’s Path Support Teens in Foster Care

In its third year, Jonathan’s Path’s Bright Soles Bash masterfully paired fashion and philanthropy to support local youth. Guests donned all-black cocktail attire and bright, eye-catching shoes to represent the hope the organization provides to teenagers aging out of the foster care system.

Jonathan’s Path, founded in 2022, ensures teens receive the care they need on their journeys into early adulthood. Roughly 80% of teens aging out of foster care face homelessness, incarceration, addiction and trafficking. But Jonathan’s Path offers hope through its progressive housing model, which helps teens stay housed (with live-in caregivers), find work, manage paying rent and bills, and eventually secure apartments of their own.

The Bright Soles Bash helps make this impact possible. Avid supporters filled the Loveless Events barn for this year’s sold-out soirée, all while admiring peers’ fanciful footwear. 

Program director — and one of our Nfocus 2026 Fresh Faces of Philanthropy — Juleesia Santiago-Karim joined board chair and organization cofounder Jase DuRard to welcome guests and acknowledge the program’s participants. “You are our why,” Juleesia said. “You are our reason, and we love you.”

Caseworkers Kiara Davis and Dale Clifford both received the Steadfast Advocate Award for their unwavering dedication to youth in foster care. And Tennessee Rep. Jeremy Faison received the Paving the Path Award for his help in securing a historic $500,000 state investment to support Jonathan’s Path’s progressive housing model and launch Tennessee’s first readiness-based Path Home.

Auctioneer Tom Riles hosted the annual Shoe Showdown — a chance for hand-picked finalists to show off their red-fringe boots, pink platform heels and other eye-catching party shoes.

But the most impactful moment came when program alumnus Robert “RJ” Johnson took the stage to perform his first-ever speech, “Raise Your Hand Higher.” RJ candidly shared his experience growing up in the foster care system, overcoming adversity and how Jonathan’s Path became a family to him. Roaring applause filled the room when RJ shared that he is the first person in his family not to live on government assistance — a poignant reminder of how Jonathan’s Path impacts local youth.