Park ICM recently hosted a Benefactor Party for its fifth annual Stanislav & Friends benefit. Held at the rooftop ballroom of the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, guests were treated to a performance by graduate student Ilya Shmukler, pianist. The event featured cocktails, delicious fare, and remarks from Honorary Chairmen Phyllis and Ronald Nolan […]

March 2nd was the date for Notre Dame de Sion’s 38th Annual Gala, which was held at The Abbott. The festive event featured a “Noir et Blanc” theme. Partygoers dressed in black and white cocktail attire and enjoyed cocktails, a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, and bourbon and cigars, in addition to champagne and […]

The Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame was the site for the Patrons’ Party for the Kansas City Young Matrons’ Magic Ball on March 7th. Bonne Illig and Sue Lund served as the Patrons’ Party co-chairmen. The Magic Ball, a benefit for Inclusion Connections and its BelongKC initiative, was held on March 9th. Julie Cain […]

While we throw around familiar terms for our beloved KCAI, we thought it might be interesting to explore who the benefactors are, what are the origins of the institution, and a brief history.  In 1885, at the suggestion of Fred Richardson of The Fine Arts Institute of Chicago, The Sketch Club was organized with the […]

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy hosted its 50th Civic Service Celebration at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Jane and Josh Sosland were the chairs for the March 10th event. Mindy Corporon was honored with the Civic Service Award for her exceptional community service and founding of SevenDays. More than 300 guests enjoyed performances, dinner, a program, […]

Guests gathered to “Light the Path” in hope for the future at the 20th annual Red Hot Night Gala, benefiting Children’s Mercy’s Illuminate Mental Health Initiative. Jon Porter and Dan Lumma were the co-chairs of the February 3rd event, which was held at the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom. The honorary co-chairs were Becci and Jeff […]

                                                      Additional photos featured in the April 20, 2024 issue of The Independent.

More than 1,000 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center on February 24th for Benedictine College’s 52nd annual Scholarship Ball. The sold-out event was a huge success. Lené Westerman and Kate and Patrick Carr were the co-chairmen, and John Holt served as the emcee. Colleen and Kevin O’Malley were honored with the Cross of […]

“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is […]

Jillian Grier Campbell and James Henry Helzberg were united in matrimony on September 30th at The Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Susan Grier Campbell of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Douglas Campbell of Kansas City, Missouri. Jillian is the granddaughter of Virginia and James Grier of Paradise […]

The Overland Park Convention Center was the site filled with purple for the K-State Alumni Association’s Wabash CannonBall. The 17th annual event was held on February 23rd. More than 900 partygoers enjoyed a fun-filled evening and raised valuable scholarship funds for students from the Kansas City area.                Featured in […]

Behind the scenes of Kansas City’s most impactful causes are some of the hardest working, mission-driven people you will meet. One such person is Jason Banks, whom The Independent has recognized as one of its Rising Stars of 2024. Jason has consistently devoted himself to a variety of charitable organizations during the years, volunteering and […]

Not surprisingly, books are my favorite gift to give. I love giving books because they aren’t just presents. They can be stories of adventure or romance, a way to try and step into another person’s shoes, a source of learning or inspiration, or even guidance for the next chapter in life. As graduation approaches, books […]

February 17th was the date for Inclusion Connections’ 10th annual FashionAbility Gala, which was held at the Embassy Suites in Olathe. More than 700 guests were treated to inspiring fashion presentations, heartfelt testimonials, and a fun evening to celebrate the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with all abilities. Debbie Horn, Inclusion Connections; and Jon Twidwell, […]

As Children’s Mercy Kansas City celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, they would like to highlight some of the many volunteers who help the hospital run smoothly. With more than 700 people volunteering their time and talents, including guiding families through the hospital, comforting babies in the NICU, critical behind-the-scenes processing of donations of clothes […]

Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City celebrated a milestone with its 50th Anniversary Gala. The February 17th event was held at the Kansas City Convention Center. The celebration was led by Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City; and Dr. Marjorie A. Williams, board chair. Michael Harriot was the keynote speaker, […]

The Independent is proud and pleased to be sharing a milestone anniversary with one of Our Town’s most significant civic treasures – The American Royal! As we celebrate their 125th year, we would like to share a few historical treats. Founded in 1899 as the National Hereford Show, the 300 head sold were at the […]

The BOTAR Organization celebrated the launch of its 75th anniversary year with a glorious fashion show, Cocktails & Couture, featuring every single gown from every year of the Belles of the American Royal. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center, the showcase of the evening was the runway, adorned with large […]

The Midland Theatre was the site for “Defying the Odds”: A HALO Art Auction Benefiting Homeless Youth on February 24th. More than 350 guests enjoyed entertainment from HALO youth, silent and live auctions, and the premiere of the HALO Short Film Documentary, Caylin. Proceeds support HALO to provide housing, healing, and education services to homeless […]

Survivor Sarah Klein will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Community Luncheon to benefit MOCSA on May 1st at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. As an attorney and a survivor of Olympic women’s gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, Sarah is an ally and an inspiration to so many. Given the […]

This Women’s History Month, we reached out to women in the community to find our their favorite reads. I’m excited to share their responses below. Kathy Donovan I am a proud board member of United We, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. I am passionate about removing barriers around women’s entrepreneurship, licensing, childcare, or equal […]