KidsTLC hosted Benefit23, a dreamy evening filled with pajamas and a fun celebration (sounds wonderful!) led by Chairmen Sarah and Ryan Owings. With delightful cocktails from J. Rieger & Co., and a fun after-party with a DJ, guests were able to support KidsTLC’s mission to transform the lives of children and families experiencing mental and […]

Teresa Walsh hosted the 11th annual occasion of The Gathering, a benefit for Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas and the New Roots program. Missy Kuklenski served as the chairman. New Roots helps refugees, immigrants, and English language learners utilize their skills to help sustain their families and our community through agriculture. The event featured […]

Being fitted for formalwear before the Community Ball and Cotillion on December 2nd should be fun, so the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties hosted a Meet and Greet/Icebreaker for dads and escorts at Lake Quivira Country Club on October 15th. Chatting and measuring seemed to be quite enjoyable!       Featured in […]

The Family Conservancy’s Blue Carpet Event was held on October 13th at The Abbott. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, dinner, live music, a wine pull, and silent and live auctions. Sly James was honored with the Betsy Vander Velde Award, recognizing commitment to improving the lives of children and families. Proceeds support the organization to empower Kansas […]

The 74th BOTAR Ball was held on October 28th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Mrs. Grant Wilkerson served as the 2023 president and oversaw a magnificent BOTAR year, culminating with the Ball. With a gorgeous setting of greens, pinks, golds, and the ambiance of old-world Palm Beach, guests felt transported […]

Wayside Waifs’ 33rd Annual Strutt With Your Mutt was a howling success! Bobby Sight and David Smart served as co-chairs of the September 24th event. Proceeds from the fun day support abandoned, abused, and homeless animals in our metro area, creating a more humane Kansas City for both animals and people.   Featured in the […]

The 12th Annual Committee of 100 Celebratory Luncheon was held on September 19th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Ashley Whittaker, designer and author of “The Well-Loved House,” was the featured speaker. After the presentation, guests enjoyed a beautiful luncheon in Kirkwood Hall. Shelley Copaken and Amy Thompson were the Luncheon co-chairmen, and Kay Newell […]

September 26th was the date for The Lyric Opera Ball Kickoff, which was hosted at the gorgeous home of Pam Bruce. Committee members enjoyed cocktails and appetizers by the pool. The Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball, “A Toast To Opera,” will be held on April 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City […]

Kansas City Young Matrons’ annual Civics and Honoring Day was held on October 2nd. The membership gathered to honor the president, past presidents, silver members, life members, and honorary members, in addition to a special presentation to Lucinda Rice-Petrie for leading Heritage Hikes. The Merry Matrons entertained the group with a song to introduce the […]

Kansas City Ballet welcomed its 66th season at its annual Season Launch Party, which was held on October 13th at Benton’s in The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Devon Carney and David Gray, both of Kansas City Ballet, greeted guests, who then enjoyed the North American Premiere of Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde at […]

The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties is honored to present outstanding high school students at its 73rd Annual Community Ball and Cotillion on December 2nd. Participants were chosen based on their leadership, character, and service, and they represent 15 area high schools.        Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of […]

October 1st was the date for Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care’s Sunday Night Live. The event, which was held at KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District, featured a “Celebrate Compassion” theme. Casey Simmons and Sloane Simmons were the event co-chairs, and Kevin Dunn, Bob Legler, Shelly Legler, and Brady Legler served […]

Hotel Kansas City was the site for First Call’s Soiree, which was held on September 28th. Karen and Jeffry Gerson were the event chairs. The newly reimagined event featured a keynote performance by live painter, John Bukaty. Guests were treated to a lovely dinner, an auction, and most importantly, stories of hope from former First […]

The Whole Person’s 2023 Casino Royale Night of Independence Awards Gala was held on September 22nd at Harrah’s Casino. The event raises funds for and toasts people living independently with disabilities. Receiving the Independence Award was 14-year-old Brinley Hutson, who has discovered her identity as an athlete! The spirited atmosphere featured dinner, casino games, silent […]

Children’s Mercy Hospital hosted Dream Big Day in September in Crown Center Square, with a one-mile walk and a family-friendly celebration. Besides having fun, the day was a fundraiser which rallied the community around the mission of providing answers, hope, and care to patients and their families.   Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue […]

The Snow Ball season has officially begun for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas! The Patron, Table, and Snowflake committee members gathered recently at Indian Hills Country Club to kick off the 50th Anniversary. Guest speakers included Lauren Solidum, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and Kershana, a St. Rita program graduate. Veronica and Peter Mallouk are serving […]

More than 220 guests gathered for Jackson County CASA’s Cocktails for CASA – A Night of Hope auction, which was held on October 6th at The Guild. The fifth annual event featured special guests KC Wolf and Chiefs Cheerleaders, a wine pull, a specialty CASA-colada cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and more. Proceeds […]

The BOTAR Organization participates in conducting school tours of The American Royal twice, annually. Each year, members gather in May and October to help guide school children through the various programs and offerings at The Royal.      Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of The Independent. Photo credit: Bailey Pianalto Photography

Kansas City Ballet Guild members gathered at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity on September 28th to assemble invitations for the 2023 Nutcracker Ball. The Guild’s 56th annual gala will be held on December 1st at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Jo Anne Dondlinger is serving as the Ball chairman, and […]

Founded in 1995 by David W. Bland and Marianne Roos, Travois exists to support Indigenous clients as they build affordable housing and grow their economies. While this is not a Native-owned organization, they feel, “It is imperative that we steadfastly acknowledge this context and continually educate ourselves about the realities faced by those we serve.” […]

The National Urban Indian Family Coalition, founded in 2003 by Janeen Comenote, elevates a national voice for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban communities and sustains indigenous values and culture through a strong network of urban Indian organizations. The NUIFC is proud to support the Kansas City Indian Center, one of the only […]