Honoring a Legacy

Honoring a Legacy: The BJ DeMage Halloween Shop at KCMO Angels
At KCMO Angels, we know that creating joyful, “normal” childhood moments for kids in foster care can make all the difference. This Halloween season, we had the privilege of partnering with Amy DeMage to bring a powerful dream to life: making Halloween costumes available to every child who needs one. This partnership is about more than costumes—it’s about honoring a legacy and ensuring BJ DeMage’s spirit and vision live on for years to come.
BJ’s Dream: A Halloween for All Kids
Last Halloween, Amy’s husband, BJ, unexpectedly passed away. Halloween was BJ’s favorite holiday, and he had a dream that one day he would start a nonprofit to ensure every child could experience the joy of Halloween by having a costume of their own. When BJ passed, his friends and family chose to honor his memory not with flowers, but with costumes—each one a piece of his dream brought to life.
Through a mutual friend, Amy connected with us at KCMO Angels. Amy decided to donate the costumes collected at BJ’s funeral to KCMO Angels, knowing that they would find a meaningful home with the children and families we serve. With Amy’s support, we were able to launch the first-ever Annual BJ DeMage Halloween Shop in September of this year.

The First Annual BJ DeMage Halloween Shop
On September 21st, Amy attended our Halloween Shop event alongside her three children and BJ’s mother. Together, we witnessed BJ’s dream become a reality as children browsed through costumes and found the one that made them smile the brightest. For children in foster care, moments of normalcy—like picking out a Halloween costume—are essential. They allow children to feel like every other kid, to embrace the excitement and fun of childhood, and to experience traditions that give life a bit more color.
BJ’s legacy was woven into every part of the event. His vision and spirit were felt in each child’s joy, and Amy’s commitment made it all possible. The dream was born that this Halloween Shop would become an annual tradition, allowing BJ’s legacy to impact more children each year.

​Continuing BJ’s Legacy
Amy has already begun preparing for next year, sharing BJ’s story on social media to gather Halloween costumes for the 2025 BJ DeMage Halloween Shop. We are beyond honored to carry this legacy forward. BJ’s dream aligns beautifully with KCMO Angels’ mission of providing children in foster care with moments of normalcy, love, and belonging.
Thank you, Amy, for your generosity, for sharing BJ’s legacy with us, and for helping to bring a bit of Halloween magic to children in foster care. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of joy and connection, and we look forward to making the BJ DeMage Halloween Shop a beloved annual event.