The Independent is delighted to share some of the many wonderful philanthropic endeavors from 2020. Kansas City is filled with fabulous volunteers and organizations that stepped up for our community during the pandemic. Join us as we celebrate their hard work and kindness. Kelly Van Allman, Kate Cullinane, and Marcus Rhodes, board member; participated in […]

Sometimes, there is a very thin margin in life.  Often we search for meaning, question our place, or look for guidance in the direction our lives might take. Sometimes the signs are small – almost undetectable. And, other times we literally get knocked off of our feet by a message where immediate heed must be […]

Back in the 1920s, The Independent recorded the lament of a world-weary kindergartener who said she just had no idea who she would wed when she grew up – most of the men she knew seemed to be married already. We understand her feelings completely. Here we sit, reading of Valentine’s Days past, and leaving […]

November 12th was the date for The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Kansas City Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration virtual program. Honorees were congratulated for work done in their respective fields of non-profit fundraising. Included in the event were the following awards: Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual given to Marylou Turner and nominated by the […]

November 1st was the date for Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC’s 2020 Human Relations Event, “Pursuing Justice Standing Together,” which was held via private broadcast. The evening featured the presentation of the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award to Debbie Sosland-Edelman, as well as a roundtable discussion and thought-provoking conversations. Michael Abrams, Merilyn Berenbom, Margi Pence, […]

December 12th was the date for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City’s virtual Most Wanted Auction. This year, 31 individuals were honored as Kansas City’s Most Wanted. A record-breaking $1.35 million was raised to support the mission of creating life-changing friendships and changing futures for young people. Honoree Reed Erickson      (Front […]

November 21st was the date for the Folly Theater’s 6th Annual Folly Frolic (a socially-distanced benefit concert). The Folly was able to stage a live performance, as well as a virtual stream of the event, which featured blues singer-songwriter Kelley Hunt, joined by folk singer-songwriter Kelly Hunt. Co-chairmen Stacy Purvis and Gregory Porter arranged a […]

November 21st was the date for Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 2020 Nutcracker Ball private broadcast event. The event was led by Co-chairmen Edie Downing and Gail Van Way. Guild President Juliette Singer Spinks presented the 2020 Pirouette Award to Bank of America for its contributions to the performing arts in Our Town.   Also featured […]

February 26th is the date for HALO’s Virtual ArtReach Auction, “The Main Event.” The action-packed evening will feature the HALO documentary short film premiere, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and Special Guest Oprah Winfrey interviewing HALO Alumni, Marjai. Proceeds support homeless and at-risk children around the world.

Shelley and Evan Howe served as chairmen of KVC Health Systems’ Groovy Virtual Gala. The November 13th event was a celebration of the organization’s 50 years of service to children and their families. Guests enjoyed the 1970’s-themed event at home, complete with a “Funky Epiphany” cocktail, auctions, celebrity appearances, and lots of period music. Proceeds […]

The smiles in the photos tell the story. Every person, regardless of station in life, deserves dignity and respect. Phoenix Family is a non-profit organization that provides integrated social services to anyone living in low-income circumstances. Phoenix Family serves more than 6,000 people per day. Clients can learn skills and gain perspectives that make dreams […]

October 28th was the date for Wayside Waifs’ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which celebrated the completion of its $8.7 million expansion. Campaign Co-chairmen Sandy and Dave Johnson and Jill and Tom Turner hosted a limited number of guests as they celebrated the new Education and Training Center and the Canine Behavior Center. The project, which was […]

October 23rd was the date for the Ribbon Cutting at the new Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City. Also featured in the November 28, 2020 issue of The Independent  

Nick & Jake’s Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, a benefit for Children’s Mercy, was held on October 5th at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate and Blue Hills Country Club. Proceeds were earmarked to address mental health issues for patients at Children’s Mercy and in our community. Also featured in the November 28, 2020 issue of […]

Kristen Gibbons Feden, an attorney who served as the prosecutor in the trial and retrial of Bill Cosby, was the keynote speaker for the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault’s (MOCSA) Community Luncheon. This year, it was a virtual event with a set of small, socially-distanced watch parties on October 14th. Jill and Ray Kowalik […]

The American Royal Complex was the site for the 2020 American Royal Junior Premium Livestock Auction. The event was held on October 17th and also included a virtual option. There were 61 exhibitors. The Grand Champion Market Steer was purchased by the Patterson Foundation for $280,000 – and yes, that’s a new record! Numerous area […]

October 16th was the date for Jackson County CASA’s Cocktails for CASA. The second annual event featured cocktail and dinner kits prepared by Mixologist Leslie Newsam Goellner and Chef Nick Goellner, both of The Antler Room. Participants picked up fresh pasta and cocktail kits and then tuned in for the program that included a behind-the-scenes […]

Girls on the Run Serving Greater Kansas City hosted its Golf for Girls tournament at Creekmoor Golf Club. The third annual event was held on October 19th. The event raised more than $50,000 to help more girls participate in the organization’s life-changing programs. Additional photos featured in the November 14, 2020 issue of The Independent

The annual Eat, Drink, & Be Jolly for the Folly Picnic Fundraiser, a benefit for the Folly Theater, was held in the glorious garden of Brian Williams’ home. The Stan Kessler Trio entertained. Picnic baskets held a tasting array of fried chicken, pasta salads, and even individual bottles of Prosecco – and the baskets were […]

Travis Kelce is a bright star in Our Town’s constellation of celebrities. Sports icons come and go, famous actors and musicians grace our collective stage, and every now and then a person with such a gravitational pull and actual gravitas embraces Kansas City. A man of many talents, not the least of which is grabbing […]

Children’s Mercy hosted Dream Big Day, a virtual family-friendly festival, celebration, and walk for the community to find answers and hope for kids. The week-long festivities culminated with more than 900 people and 70 teams coming together for a Facebook Live event on September 26th that is still available for viewing. More than $227,000 was […]