Rose Brooks Center – Cabaret
Vanessa Williams was the featured performer at the 31st Anniversary Cabaret. She dazzled the audience with her voice and wit. The event, a benefit for Rose Brooks Center, was held on February 25th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. More than $600,000 was raised, and the funds will be used to end violence in the lives of thousands of families and pets. Jennie Clarke, Jill Opelka Greenfield and Phil Greenfield served as co-chairmen.
![]() |
Sarah and Matt Smith |
![]() |
Jennie Clarke, Phil Greenfield and Jill Opelka Greenfield, co-chairmen |
![]() |
Ashlee Peterson, board member |
![]() |
Vanessa Williams, featured performer |
![]() |
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg flanked Vanessa Williams, featured performer. |
Additional photos featured in the April 14, 2018 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: David Riffel
Features

The 15th Annual ArtsKC Awards Luncheon was held on March 8th at the Kansas City Convention Center. More than 1,000 guests enjoyed the creative event that featured acclaimed performers, an…

March 3rd was the date for Notre Dame de Sion School’s A Toast to Sion Gala. More than 400 guests celebrated Sion at the 32nd annual event. Alison Begley Schissler…

March 27th was the date for Newhouse’s Annual New Day Luncheon at Grand Street. Loren Halifax served as the emcee. The mission of Newhouse is to break the cycle of…