Double the pleasure, double the fun! Darling twin boys, William David Collins and Wesley Porter Collins, arrived on January 27th. Their proud parents are Monica and David Collins of Vero Beach, Florida. The active duo joins older brother, Rivers Collins, age eight, and older sister, Cameron Collins, age six. The boys are fraternal twins. Will […]

Adele McConnell Royle and Blake Clemens McCartney were joined in matrimony on July 22nd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Gwen and Mike Royle of Parkville, Missouri. Her groom is the son of Michele and David McCartney of Manchester, Missouri. Adele is the granddaughter […]

January 20th is the date for The 50th Annual Snow Ball, which will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center. Veronica and Peter Mallouk are serving as the presidents, and Kathy and Jack Newman are the honorary presidents for the black-tie evening. The Emerald City Band will provide the entertainment following a cocktail reception […]

To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org. The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC. Julianne DeLessio is employed with Union Station Kansas City as its donor and corporate relations manager, where she works with corporate partners and sponsors, as […]

November 19th is the date for the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Event, hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC. Bill Berkley, Lisa Ginter, Gordon Lansford, Madeleine McDonough, Jeff Simon, and Bridgette Williams are the co-chairs for the festivities, which will be held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Joe Reardon will be […]

In Kansas City’s philanthropic circles, one vibrant and beloved personality stands out as a Rising Star – Anna Bazan-Munguia. As the youngest of 27 grandchildren, Anna’s journey to local prominence is intertwined with her family’s rich history and a deep sense of community spirit.  Anna’s grandfather, a skilled tailor who once worked for President Harry […]

In Wyandotte County, a fresh era of development within the Latinx community is on the horizon. Dedicated community leader, Irene Caudillo, has recently assumed the role of Chief of Staff to Mayor Tyrone A. Garner within the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. With a decades-long track record of affecting change among the Latinx population, Irene’s […]

Guadalupe Centers occupies a unique place in the Kansas City landscape. They are the only dual language early childhood education center in the area, the only Charter School serving the Latino community, and the only bilingual Financial Opportunity Center in the metro. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the […]

Pathway To Hope’s annual Donor Appreciation Event was held recently in The Argyle Room at Children’s Mercy Park. Donors and volunteers enjoyed meeting Tara Adler, the organization’s new executive director. In addition to celebrating, details were shared regarding the upcoming gala, Night of Hope, on October 21st.    Featured in the September 16, 2023 issue […]

October 28th is the date for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City, which will be held at Crown Center. The Walk is a celebration of courage and hope, and a movement to unite communities to end breast cancer. Proceeds from the event fund lifesaving breast cancer research, with a commitment […]

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kent Hickerson of Overland Park, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Anne Hickerson, to Peter Bryant Milledge, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Droste DeForest Milledge, Jr. of Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Tollefson, Dianne Hickerson […]

For 25 years, Tom Watson’s Day For Kids Golf Tournament has raised funds to ensure that young people have the opportunity to learn to play – and love – golf. On August 28th, First Tee Greater Kansas City hosted the event, which was held at Loch Lloyd Country Club. A VIP breakfast, Tom Watson Clinic, […]

The Gallery Event Space was the site for Awesome Ambitions’ Purse-onality 2023. The festive event featured two fashion shows, a brunch, and entertainment from Eboni Fondren. Awesome Ambitions girls modeled purses on the runway and mentioned positive character traits that they always carry with them, just like purses. The event chair, Fahteema Parrish, orchestrated a […]

After more than two decades and four deans, it was beginning to look as if the UMKC Conservatory’s dream of a new facility would remain just that: a dream. Until now, that is. “This fall, Dean Courtney Crappell will reveal exciting plans for several phases of renovations and expansion of the Conservatory to meet future […]

One woman, standing alone onstage. No pianist, no music-stand: Just Hilary Hahn and her violin, creating miracles. That is what Harriman-Jewell Series audiences are likely to experience this October 13th, when one of the most gifted violinists of our time performs works from J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. It’s difficult to think of […]

When Martha Deardorff Shields and Edwin W. Shields began building Oaklands, they had been married for more than a dozen years and were the parents of a daughter and a son. Edwin was a grain dealer. Martha’s father had been a lumberman, and her maternal grandfather had been a judge. In July 1909, the Kansas […]

As we celebrate the summer (and the end of that crazy heat dome), autumn is heading toward us full steam ahead. There is something about September especially that just has an educational vibe. It makes me want to run out and stock up on pens, pencils, and, of course, new books. Every September I find […]

Charlie Lynn volunteers at the SKC Serve & Lift Center of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. What does he do there? He helps in any way he can. Charlie has been described as humble and strong. In addition, he is always smiling.  Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.

Missy Schaffer’s lovely home was the site for the BOTAR Mothers’ Dessert on June 22nd. Excitement was in the air for The BOTAR Ball, which will be held on October 28th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.           Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent. […]

The 19th annual Night Out with MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction will be held at The Midland Theatre on November 4th. Tiffany Melton Meeks and Lisa New are serving as the event co-chairs. Partygoers will enjoy cocktails, delicious bites, and wonderful art and music celebrating the Paris of the Plains and highlighting Kansas City’s jazz […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.                               Additional photos featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.