Cathy and Rick Baier and Becky and Brett Gordon were the honorary co-chairmen, and Stacie Prosser and John Brandmeyer were the co-chairmen of Red Hot Night Gala, a benefit for Children’s Mercy. More than 1,600 guests enjoyed the 13th annual event on February 11th in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center. The […]

Mary Brown Leek of Prairie Village is proud to announce the engagement of her daughter, Anna Sauder Leek, to Charles Robert Ludington, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Edward Ludington of Prairie Village. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. Louis James Leek of Overland Park and the late Mr. Leek and the late […]

Glad tidings from Katy, Texas: Audrey Mae Golden was born on January 7th. Audrey’s proud parents are Lauren and Justin Golden. She joins her big sister Daphne, age four; and big brother Henry, age two. The blue-eyed, blonde beauty weighed eight pounds and was 20 inches long. Delighted grandparents are Pam and John Gyllenborg of […]

A blue bundle of joy named Christopher James Cusser was born on January 23rd. The handsome baby boy is the son of Anne and Andrew Cusser of Leawood. Topher joins his big sister Clara, age three. He weighed seven pounds, eight ounces and was 20 and one half inches long. Topher has blue eyes and […]

Hunter is one of Children’s Mercy’s two facility dogs. He began working at Children’s Mercy as a facility dog in June of 2015. Hunter and his handler work at the Adele Hall Campus. He spends most of his time with patients and families in the Hematology and Oncology inpatient unit, providing encouragement and snuggles to […]

Trish and John Dorsey are serving as the chairmen of the Kansas City Zoo’s 28th annual Jazzoo. The June 2nd event will feature delicious bites from more than 80 local restaurants, fabulous entertainment on four stages and cocktails from 10 full and specialty bars. Trish and John Dorsey, chairmen Additional photos featured in the March […]

David Ball, Ball’s Food Stores; has continued the philanthropic legacy started by his parents through his leadership and support of KVC Health Systems. David currently serves as KVC’s executive board co-chairman and provides guidance, campaign leadership, personal gift giving, and support of KVC. Through the Ball’s Charity Golf Classic, David has made substantial contributions to […]

Keri Maginn is the director of business operations at DRAW Architecture + Urban Design. She is a member of Centurions, class of 2018. Keri is a member of the social committee and serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force. She enjoys making meals for families at Ronald McDonald House and serving lunch at the […]

Shawnee Mission Education Foundation’s annual Donor Recognition Dinner was held on February 8th at the Broadmoor Bistro. Shawnee Mission School District Signature Culinary Program students prepared a delectable dinner. Jim and Kathy Vigliaturo, Suzette and Kenny Southwick, Michael Kautz, and Anthony Springfield The Broadmoor Bistro Student Chefs were hard at work preparing a wonderful meal. […]

February 4th was the date for Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Romantic Revels at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Barbara and Robert Bloch served as the chairmen. The Founder’s Award was presented to Mark Edelman in honor of Theater League’s 40th anniversary year, and R. Crosby Kemper III paid special tribute to HASF […]

Darol Rodrock was the honorary chairman, and Edie Downing and Gigi Rose served as the co-chairmen of Kansas City Young Matrons’ Magic Ball, “All That Jazz!” The January 14th event was held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, a dinner, a silent auction, five raffles, and entertainment by Dueling Pianos. Proceeds support […]

February 16th was the date for The Independent’s Top Ten Party at the beautiful 1900 Building. The Independent’s 2017 Class of Rising Stars and the Top Ten Events of 2016 were announced. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails and delicious fare from Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions.  Additional photos featured in the March 4, 2017 issue Photo Credit: David Riffel and Tom Styrkowicz

Dolly Wood, occupational therapist, The University of Kansas Hospital Dolly serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City and the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, and is a past board member for Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri. She is on the advisory board for the Occupational Therapy Assistant […]

A Patrons’ Party for the Kansas City Young Matrons’ 2017 Magic Ball, “All That Jazz,” was held on January 11th at The American Jazz Museum. Honorary Chairman Darol Rodrock introduced Bobbi Jo Reed, Healing House; and Ball Co-chairmen Edie Downing and Gigi Rose thanked patrons for their support. Healing House, the beneficiary of the Ball, […]

Cindy Pratt-Stokes is serving as the chairman of the Hats Off to Mothers luncheon on May 9th at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The event will recognize mothers who have demonstrated the remarkable ability to balance family life, personal achievement and service to our community. Proceeds support Open Options which provides support for people with intellectual […]

Mrs. Thomas Logan and Mr. Larry Kidd of Charlotte, North Carolina, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Allison Kidd, to James Christopher Burcham, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Grant Burcham of Our Town. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Simms and the late […]

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas held its 43rd annual Snow Ball on January 21st at the Overland Park Convention Center. More than 1,850 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and formal dinner followed by dancing to the tunes of Lost Wax. Lynn and Jay Reardon were the Snow Ball presidents, and Don Foley, Rich Teahan and […]

Tiffany Bruce is a member of Centurions, class of 2018, and serves on the recruiting committee. She is the development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, and has been with the agency for nine years. Tiffany has been a Big Sister to her Little Sister, M´racle, for the last four years. […]

The American Heart Association’s 30th Annual Kansas City Heart Ball Patron Party was held on January 19th at Lathrop & Gage. Guests were treated to a sneak peek of the Heart Ball program and a preview of the Charlie Hustle line of products benefiting the American Heart Association. Bob Grossman Susan and Rick Worrel and […]

Warriors’ Best Friend places service dogs adopted from shelters with veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The organization received a grant from the Home Depot Foundation to finish construction on the service dog training facility. The new space will allow Warriors’ Best Friend to shelter and train more service dogs […]

December 13th was the date for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Luncheon. Susannah Sotos served as the host of the lovely gathering held at Carriage Club. Guild President Mark Sappington welcomed current members and their guests.  Dan Sullivan, Jessica Roark and George Langworthy Larry Burks, Kimberlee Ried and Bob Myers Donna Davis, Karen Jordan, […]