The theme of The Salvation Army’s 2021 Christmas fundraising campaign is “Hope Marches On.” Angela and Neal Sharma are serving as the chairmen of the campaign, which will run through December 25th. The iconic Red Kettles can be found at more than 200 locations around Our Town. Read more from the October 30, 2021 issue […]

Brianna Volkmann, Dennis Pearson, Nuvee Thammikasakul, Terry Andrews, and Tom Lacy are the current members of the UMKC Conservatory Graduate Fellowship Woodwind Quintet. They will be the featured performers at Crescendo, a benefit for the Conservatory. The event will be held on November 12th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Graduate students from […]

“Is this one yummy enough to print?” The words are Laura Crehuet Berman’s, and she is speaking about a color – any color with which she plans to work. But the sentiment is definitely ours, her colors are indeed yummy. Before this article came into being, the thought process already existed that Laura Berman’s work […]

A pink bundle of joy named Madison Joslin Levine arrived on August 17th. The little beauty weighed six pounds, eight ounces, and was 18 and one-half inches long. Her proud parents are Laura Joslin Levine and Michael Levine of Prairie Village, Kansas. Madison’s grandparents are Barbara and Joel Joslin and Rhonda and Stephen Levine. Laura’s […]

More than 400 guests gathered at the Kansas City Convention Center on September 11th for the Symphony League of Kansas City’s 39th annual Symphony Ball. This year’s theme was “Stardust,” with a nod to 1920’s America. Marylou Turner was the honorary chairman, and Melanie Fenske served as the chairman. In addition to a performance by […]

Wayside Waifs’ 31st annual Strutt With Your Mutt was held on October 3rd. The celebration of pets and people will benefit abandoned, abused, and homeless animals. Wayside Waifs is creating a more humane Kansas City for both animals and people. Waif Alum Freya was proud of her participation!       Monica Swanson and her […]

September 17th was the date for Kansas City Young Matrons’ September Soirée Under The Stars. Nancy and Jeffrey Brown hosted the festive event, which featured cocktails, an array of treats, and live music from Mikey Needleman. Julie Maggart is the organization’s president.   Perry and Joni Siplon, Mitch and Julie Maggart, KCYM president; and Joni […]

January 15th will be the night for the 48th Annual Snow Ball. Guests have a choice of attending virtually or at the Overland Park Convention Center, where the agenda will include a cocktail reception followed by dinner and dancing. Patti and Tom Schugel are the honorary presidents, with Donna and Mark Teahan serving as the […]

December Brammer and Kristal Ronnebaum served as co-chairmen of HappyBottoms’ inaugural Diaper Bowl. More than 400 guests enjoyed delicious sips and bites, live music, silent and live auctions, a reverse raffle, and a rock, paper, scissors tournament. Proceeds help to provide diapers to more than 13,000 children in need. Teresa Winfield, Andrea Babbit, Eddie Hatcher, […]

August 28th was the date for The Farmer’s House’s Peace, Love & Happiness Virtual Tour and Auction. Guests sported their favorite groovy attire and gathered at fun watch parties around Our Town. Signature Party hosts included Peaches and David Cunningham, Dr. Michele Kilo and Blake Mathews at Chicken N Pickle, and Suzanne and Alan Zimmerman […]

The Symphony Ball Benefactors’ Party was held on September 9th at the beautiful home of Tennille and Jason Adkins. Guests enjoyed cocktails, delicious cuisine, and wonderful music from the Kansas City Symphony. The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “Stardust,” was held on September 11th. Marylou Turner was the Ball honorary chairman, and Melanie Fenske served as […]

The Kansas City Marriott Downtown was the site for the 3rd Annual Green Tie Gala, which was held on August 14th. This year’s honoree was the late Dan Dykstra. Guests enjoyed cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, and music from Montage. The event was founded by Chuck Cuda in honor of his father, Ben Cuda. […]

Contemporary comfort food with a creative flair, convenience in Prairie Village, and local owners – what’s not to love? Scratch Gourmet Express and Catering is the newest, and possibly most popular, neighbor in beloved PV. Occupying a space that has held everything from The Jones Store to Einstein Bagels, this adorable corner enclave is home […]

The Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Fall Luncheon was held on September 16th at the Hilton President Kansas City. Guild President Peggy Beal, Devon Carney, Kansas City Ballet, and Karen Yungmeyer, Nutcracker Ball co-chairman, shared remarks. Members and guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon and a performance by the KCB II dancers. Devon Carney, Kansas City Ballet […]

September 19th was the date for the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas’ Mothers’ Tea, which was held at Lake Quivira Country Club. The mothers who gathered represented students from 22 area high schools who will be debutantes and escorts at the 71st Community Ball and Cotillion on December 4th. Laurel Thomas […]

Deanna DiSalvo is known for running marathons, but her stamina extends well beyond her races. Her tremendous focus and endurance manifest in her volunteerism and her on-going commitment to several causes in Kansas City. Deanna began her work in philanthropy in a simple way; she wanted to connect with other young professionals. When asked to […]

Margaret Rose Snively is the new baby at the home of Amy Blair Snively and Matthew Snively in Our Town. That means that 18-month-old CeCe Snively is a big sister! Mags was born on August 26th. She was 20 and one-half inches long and weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces. Mags has light blue eyes with […]

Kansas Speedway was the site for The World Series of Barbecue on September 17th and 18th. The event is the American Royal Association’s largest fundraiser, which supports the organization’s mission of impacting youth in agriculture through competitive events, scholarships, and education. Was there a big turnout? We’ll sure say so – 475 open teams, 185 […]

In the Directors of Philanthropy issue, The Independent celebrates the remarkable people in Our Town who donate so much of their time and talents to charitable organizations.    Also featured in the October 2, 2021 Signature Issue    

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.” – William Shakespeare’s Macbeth The temperature is finally dropping, the nights are getting longer, and fall has finally arrived. While autumn may be associated with the beautiful array of colors as the leaves change, and pumpkin spice in everything, it really heralds the arrival of […]

November 13th is the date for Newhouse’s Imagine a Day Gala. Terri and Phil Thomas are the honorary chairmen, and Moira Holland is serving as the chairman. Guests may choose to join the festivities at Loews Kansas City Hotel or attend virtually. Gabriella Pagan will be the keynote speaker, with Darren Story serving as the […]