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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health stressors weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of women and children alike. Whether it’s the soaring cost of living, the turmoil of politics, or the heartbreaking news of violence hitting close to home, the toll on our collective well-being is undeniable. In this whirlwind, self-care often takes a […]

Beauty standards have changed over the decades, continuously shaping the expectations that society has for women. In the 1910s, the hourglass figure with a cinched waist was de rigueur. In the 1960s, being ultra thin with no curves was all the rage. From the ‘60s to the present, beauty norms have continued to shift. However, […]

Rose Brooks Center held its 37th annual Cabaret on February 25th at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Michelle Emanuel Johnson and Jeff Johnson were the event chairs. Guests enjoyed a special performance by Kansas City native Willis White performing with the Willis White Project. Proceeds support Rose Brooks Center’s mission of breaking the cycle of domestic […]

ROMANtic Revels featured a Roman theme this year, complete with a sword fight scene by HASF actors in appropriate garb, bringing a taste of Julius Caesar to the evening! The February 10th gala was held at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. Diana […]

Amy Embry and Carrie McLiney served as the co-chairmen for the Holidays in Crestwood Luncheon, a benefit for the Child Protection Center. The December 1st event was held at Aixois. The cozy and festive day featured a fabulous lunch, shopping, the annual gingerbread house contest, and much fun. Ten percent of sales benefited the mission […]

The Women United group of United Way has 650 members locally, and more than 55,000 globally, and it is open to anyone who donates $1,000 or more annually to United Way. The group was established in 2009 and continues to uplift women and make a positive impact on our area’s youngest residents. Their leadership and […]

Renny Arensberg Having just celebrated her 20th anniversary at KVC Health Systems, Renny Arensberg has no intention of slowing down! Renny comes equipped with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Kansas and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University, and a lengthy career in human resources, consulting, leadership, and coaching. All […]

Eliza Barr is very forthcoming about using her own experiences to inform her professional duties as the passionate and qualified executive director of Reaching Out From Within. Not familiar with ROFW? It is the non-profit organization created more than 40 years ago by SuEllen Fried, revered philanthropist and civic leader. Long known as an anti-bullying […]

How lucky is Kansas City to have a native daughter return to the metro area to lead the city and a worldwide sports event in one of its finest hours? Very lucky, indeed. Katherine Holland was possibly the only person who could fill these shoes at this time in Our Town’s history. This Pembroke Hill […]

The River Club was the site for the members of the Symphony League of Kansas City’s Holiday Luncheon on December 13th. Outgoing President Linda Stevens passed the gavel to Incoming President Melanie Fenske, while guests enjoyed a festive celebration.        Featured in the March 9, 2024 issue of The Independent.

The Lyric Opera Circle hosted its first New Year’s Eve Party at the historic Hilton President Hotel. Guests celebrated with dinner and dancing in anticipation of the Lyric Opera Ball, to be held on April 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.     Featured in the March 9, 2024 issue […]