Each summer in Kansas City, magic happens at Big Slick, the star-studded fundraiser supporting Children’s Mercy Hospital. It’s a testament to what heart, hustle, and community can accomplish. And in 2025, it all came together in record-breaking fashion: $4.5 million raised, with over $200,000 coming from branded merchandise alone.
As proud partners and supporters, Genumark is thrilled to have once again played a small role in this gigantic event.
This year’s emotional centerpiece was about a young boy named Peter, whose powerful story helped inspire $1.1 million in donations in a matter of minutes. His experience as a Children’s Mercy patient reminded us all why Big Slick exists: to provide world-class pediatric care, compassion, and hope. If you haven’t seen it, grab the tissues.
Branded merchandise continues to be a driving force for fundraising. Genumark was honored to procure many of the items by collaborating with supplier partners to create unforgettable pieces for both fans and celebrity guests:
- Celebrity Swag Bags: Genumark’s Mandi Rudd helped procure many of the items in the swag bags given out to celebrity guests. Shoutout to Genumark’s Creative Director Marc Newberry, who helped create a striking design for the lip balms & hand sanitizer sprays inspired by the Big Slick branding package to craft a unique and collectible look. Some of the items in the bag this year included t-shirts, drinkware, socks, baseball hats, can coolies, candles, and essential oils.
- Limited Edition CH Big Slick T-Shirt: With a new design each year, the 2025 edition of the $100 shirt once again flew off the shelves, with all proceeds supporting Children’s Mercy. This collector’s item remains a fan favorite – and one of the largest single contributors to merchandise revenue.
- General Merchandise Collection: From hats to hoodies, the full assortment was available during the event and online.
Genumark’s Mandi Rudd, one of Big Slick’s organizers who helps with branded merch efforts behind the scenes, reflected on the depth of support Big Slick receives:
“The generosity of our industry is incredible. The suppliers taking part donate their merch. Then many of them pay to fly to Kansas City, buy event tickets, pay for hotels – and then buy the very merch they donated.”
Big Slick is 100% volunteer-run, and the branded merchandise community has been integral since day one.
As Mandi shared, the branded merch industry always shows up for Big Slick – in a big way! Here are the amazing suppliers who contributed product, services, time, or energy to the 2025 edition:
- Spector & Co.
- BEL Promo
- HPG
- Snugz
- Inluro
- Sock101
- CapAmerica
- SanMar
- Hewn (decorator)
- Vantage Apparel
Every piece donated added value to the overall experience, both for the celebrities and the fans, and helped generate crucial funds for Children’s Mercy.
Of course, Big Slick wouldn’t be complete without its beloved celebrity hosts and guests. The 2025 event recap video captures all the unforgettable moments, from game day antics to heartfelt testimonials: Watch it here.
Even Travis and Jason Kelce shared their experiences on the New Heights podcast. Their excitement and admiration for the cause gave Big Slick even more national love. Listen to their recap, and you’ll even hear a special shout-out to Mandi!
Genumark is honored to be part of this incredible community. Big Slick 2025 reminded us that when creativity meets compassion – and when an industry rallies together – miracles happen.
To learn more or support the cause, visit the official Big Slick KC site.
