Cosplay, connection and a day to remember

Wellroot Family Services’ youth step into a world of imagination at MomoCon

By Michael J. Pallerino

The capes. The characters. The creativity. Thanks to a generous donation from MomoCon, youth and families supported by Wellroot Family Services will get the opportunity to join more than 900 others from across metro Atlanta for an unforgettable day of cosplay, gaming, animation and music.

This Memorial Day Weekend, the Georgia World Congress Center will transform into a colorful universe of said capes, characters and creativity when more than 900 people from across metro Atlanta for one of the country’s premier fan conventions. For the throng of young fans, MomoCon is more than just a fun day out—it’s a chance to step into their imaginations, connect with others and feel like they truly belong.

“Spending a fun day at MomoCon gives youth in foster care a chance to explore their interests and connect with others,” says Allison Ashe, CEO of Wellroot Family Services. “Experiences like this foster creativity, confidence and connection—three things that are so important to youth development.”

Wellroot is one of 11 youth-focused organizations selected to receive donated tickets from the fanfest. The other nonprofits include Scouts America, Horizons Atlanta, ReImagine ATL, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, the YMCA, among others. The gesture is part of MomoCon’s ongoing commitment to community impact.

Each year, the convention donates admission passes to local nonprofits and selects a featured charity to receive event-based fundraising support. This year, the Johnson STEM Activity Center is the 2025 official charity, with proceeds from custom events and merchandise sales going to support its mission.

For Wellroot, the invitation came as a welcome surprise. “MomoCon heard about the work that we do and reached out,” Ashe says. “We are so appreciative that our organization came to mind when MomoCon was seeking to provide experiences for children in our community.”

The opportunity means more than just entertainment. It’s a moment of joy and shared experience for kids and caregivers alike—something that Wellroot intentionally builds into its broader mission. “We know this will be a special time for foster families and others in our programs to have an opportunity to relax, bond, and make some fun memories together,” Ashe says. “Wellroot’s goal is to provide space for entertainment, networking and building community, in addition to training and support. Attending MomoCon is an example of just such a space.”

MomoCon itself is a major economic engine for Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the 2025 event is expected to bring a $42.4 million economic impact to metro Atlanta during the holiday weekend. That figure reflects direct spending on lodging, food, transportation, venue rental and equipment—excluding indirect or induced effects.

And while the economic impact continues to be a boon for Atlanta, for the families served by Wellroot, the impact will be measured in memories. As cosplay heroes and game worlds come to life on the convention floor, the children and youth attending through Wellroot will get to experience a sense of wonder—and the powerful message that they are seen, supported and invited to dream big.