Reassembly Day Tea was held on September 12th for the members of the Kansas City Young Matrons. Joni Siplon, the president, welcomed everyone to the event, which included both brunch and a business meeting. Julie Maggart, past president, was thanked, and Bobbie Messick was honored for her hours as a volunteer. A highlight was the […]

August 27th was the date for the BOTAR Presidents’ Tea, which  took place at The Kansas City Country Club. Past presidents were introduced to the BOTAR Class of 2022 and Pages. A fashion show of historic gowns, followed by the unveiling of this year’s selection, was part of the festivities. The BOTAR Ball will be […]

Lidia’s was the site for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Annual Kick-off Party on August 21st. Angela Moore, Lisa Sirridge, and Susan Sands were the hosts. Guild President Melissa Ford welcomed the guests, and then Devon Carney, the Ballet’s artistic director spoke about the exciting upcoming performances.  Featured in the October 15, 2022 issue of […]

Susie and Chuck Caisley served as the chairmen of Jazzoo. More than 2,800 guests gathered for the gala, which was recently held at the Kansas City Zoo. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, delicious fare from 50 restaurants, music from six local bands and DJs, and entertainment from Kansas City Aerial Arts.. Proceeds help to provide food and […]

Lake Quivira Country Club was the site for the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas’ Mothers’ Tea on September 18th. The event was for the mothers of the debutantes and escorts who will be participating in the 72nd Annual Community Ball and Cotillion, to be held on December 3rd. The honorees are […]

On August 25th, members of the BOTAR Class of 2022 gathered for the BOTAR Reveal. Miniature bottles of wine served as place cards at the festive event, which was held at the lovely home of Courtney O’Farrell. Each BOTAR had the same question: “Who will my escort be?” By the time the evening was over, […]

The beneficiary of this year’s Chiefs Charity Game was MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). August 20th was the date, and Arrowhead Stadium (where else?) was the place. The annual event, created by Lamar Hunt and continued by the Hunt family, was first held in 1985. Proceeds are earmarked to assist MOCSA in expanding […]

Pathway To Hope’s annual Donor Appreciation Event, “A Taste Of Wellness,” was held on August 14th at Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Pathway To Hope was founded in 1988 by Sharon and Dick Lawrenz, who struggled with a mental health diagnosis of a family member. The organization is committed to encourage, empower, and educate individuals […]

Loews Kansas City Hotel was the site for the Arthritis Foundation’s 19th annual Art for Arthritis event, which was held on July 15th. Guests were delighted by the custom artwork that was created by child artists and their mentors. Partygoers enjoyed delicious fare and a silent auction. Foundation Board Chair Melissa DeLeon served as the […]

“Vitality & Vice” was the theme of this year’s triumphant return of Party Arty, to benefit The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Co-chairs Kelly Hollowell and Maria O’Connor, and Vice Co-chairs Morgan Stockton and Susanne Watson produced a spectacular evening, complete with drinks, delectable fare, and entertainment. Inspired by the Museum’s American Art Deco: Designing for […]

Awesome Ambitions’ 25th Anniversary Celebration was held on July 21st at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Gem Theatre. Debby Ballard and Tammy Edwards served as co-chairs of the beautiful affair, and Lisa Ginter and India Boulton were the honorary co-chairs. The event celebrated 25 years of providing mentorship and sustainable services to girls […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.                                          

Guests had the opportunity to view the construction of LongHouse, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ new visitor center when the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park hosted Stems: A Garden Soirée at the Arboretum on June 25th. Everyone enjoyed sampling wines (in signature hand-painted wineglasses!) and delicious fare from local restaurants. The […]

July 8th was the date for Band of Angels’ Art That Blows event, which was held at The Abbott. Partygoers enjoyed great music, a unique atmosphere, and the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind art pieces, which were all made from recycled music instruments.     Featured in the August 20, 2022 issue of The Independent. […]

The Reverend Dr. Ted Pierce of Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church gave the invocation when Welcome House held a Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 23rd for the soon-to-be Welcome House Recovery Center. It will provide temporary shelter for more than 100 men seeking assistance in dealing with substance use disorder. The amenities will include classrooms, offices, a […]

The Folly Theater has just begun the most extensive renovation project in its history. To celebrate, there was a Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 21st. Among the upcoming attractions are wider seats, an upgraded bar and restrooms on the balcony level, and, in order to help the stars shine, revitalized dressing rooms. Bought your tickets yet […]

Kathy Hunt Woodward (Mrs. Phillip Scott Woodward) was the chairman for The Jewel Ball, a benefit for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Symphony. The event was held on June 18th at the Museum. Mary Jane Young Barnes (Mrs. Bryant Page Barnes) was the honorary chairman, with Anne Potter Russ (Mrs. Norbert […]

The UMKC School of Medicine’s 50th Anniversary Benefactor Party was held at the stunning home of Rachael and Dr. Nelson Sabates. A jazz trio from the UMKC Conservatory provided entertainment for the guests. The Honorable Brenda and Charlie Shields served as honorary chairmen.        Featured in the July 23, 2022 issue of The […]

Friends and family gathered on May 24th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to toast Starr and Tom Wagstaff, as they received the Lifetime Legacy Award from Saint Luke’s Health System. The loyal and generous couple have devoted 50 years of service to the Saint Luke’s community in Our Town. Cheers to the […]

Loch Lloyd Country Club was the course of choice for the recent C&C Group Alphapointe Pro-Am. Funds raised by the record number of golfers support youth programs at Alphapointe, which offers comprehensive rehabilitation and training services for people who are blind or visually impaired.           Featured in the July 23, 2022 […]

June 6th was the date for the KidsTLC Open Golf Tournament, which was held at Shadow Glen Golf Course. Golfers hit the links and helped KidsTLC celebrate its 50th anniversary. Players enjoyed libations, food stations, games, and more. Proceeds support the organization to help transform the lives of children and families experiencing challenges with mental […]