Manhattan Town Center Costume Contest to Benefit Pediatric Therapy Foundation

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Town Center will host a costume contest Saturday featuring competitions for all ages, with proceeds from a pre-event costume sale benefiting the No Stone Unturned Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to children with disabilities.

The event, scheduled for Oct. 18 beginning at 11 a.m., is being organized in partnership with Broken Canon Cosplay and will feature DJ Domingo Ward providing entertainment throughout the day.

All proceeds from an 11 a.m. used costume sale will benefit the No Stone Unturned Foundation, which operates the No Stone Unturned Therapeutic Learning Center in Manhattan. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and applied behavioral analysis for children from birth to 19 years old.

Founded in 2008 by Dr. Melinda Wolford and her husband Eric Wolford, an assistant offensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers, the foundation was inspired by their son Stone, who was diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

"Through our own trials with our exceptional child, Stone, my family and I wanted to bring our gifts together to create a place where families could come for hope," Melinda Wolford said in a statement when the organization opened its new facility in November 2024.

The foundation's Therapeutic Learning Center first opened its doors in 2012. Since then, it has served more than 1,500 children from over 25 counties across Kansas, providing specialized care for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries and other conditions.

In November, the organization celebrated the grand opening of a new 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility at 4761 Tuttle Creek Blvd., more than doubling its previous capacity. The $8 million "No Need Unmet" capital campaign helped fund the new center, which features feeding kitchens, training restrooms, sensory gyms, private treatment rooms, open treatment zones, group classrooms and large physical therapy and multi-function gyms.

"No Stone Unturned Pediatric Therapy Center is truly a blessing to Manhattan and all the surrounding communities," said Kelly Keogh, executive director of the foundation. "Our current center has seen children from over 25 counties in Kansas, as it is a truly unique model of collaborative care."

The organization employs 50 staff members and historically has served approximately 300 children per year. More than 200 children were on a waiting list before the new facility opened, according to the foundation.

The foundation's collaborative, team-based multidisciplinary approach to pediatric therapy is considered a gold standard in the field. The organization's mission centers on engaging, embracing and empowering children with special needs and ensuring every child with any disability has access to necessary care.

Saturday's costume contest will feature two main competitions. A kids' costume showcase for participants up to age 16 begins at 1 p.m., with all participants receiving prizes after walking the stage and participating in a brief interview with the master of ceremonies.

An adult costume contest for ages 16 and older starts at 2 p.m., featuring three competitive tiers: beginner or store-bought costumes judged on stage presence; intermediate for handmade and altered costumes; and expert for mostly handmade costumes. Prizes will be awarded to top winners in each category.

The event is being coordinated with Broken Canon Cosplay, a local costume maker and charity cosplayer who volunteers at approximately 50 events annually. The Manhattan-based cosplayer creates costumes from scratch through pattern work and sewing, 3D printing, armor fabrication and makeup artistry.

Broken Canon Cosplay is affiliated with the Just-Us League, a regional charity cosplay organization that partners with charitable organizations throughout the area for fundraising and entertainment, including hospital visits.

DJ Domingo Ward will provide music throughout the day, including a daytime costume dance party.

The event will take place at Manhattan Town Center, located at 100 Manhattan Town Center, Manhattan, Kansas.

Registration information is available at brokencanoncosplay.com/register.