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In addition to receiving 26 issues of The Independent Kansas City’s Journal of Society, your subscription will include our annual publication, the Charitable Events Calendar and a subscription to our e-newsletter, The Insider.

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The Independent – Rising Star Reception

Stargazing has always been a favorite pastime for many, and the evening of July 29th was no exception. The gifted and generous Rising Stars of 2021 were honored by The Independent at a soiree at the 1900 Building, complete with recognition, gifts, a lovely buffet, and lots of applause. Luke Deets, Deanna DiSalvo, Jessica James, Katasha Kumar, Danny Ritz, and Danielle Trabon were honored for their professional accomplishments and their devotion to philanthropy and civic involvement in Our Town.

Tony and Danielle Trabon, 2021 Rising Star

 

Henry Wash

 

Dan Ryan and Jake Falcon

 

Jessica Morrow and Brandon Ramos

Katherine Lee

Caden Junk, Sam Yates, and Chris Meier

 

John DiSalvo, Jeni Briley, Deanna DiSalvo, 2021 Rising Star; Carol DiSalvo, and Gina LoPorto

 

Jessica Earnshaw and Todd Jordan

 

Todd Jordan and Malik James

 

Lisa Shea and Dana Chatlin

 

Anne and Norbert Russ

 

 

Rachel Falcon presented 2021 Rising Star Deanna DiSalvo with her award.

 

Rachel Falcon presented 2021 Rising Star Jessica James with her award.

 

Rachel Falcon presented 2021 Rising Star Katasha Kumar with her award.

 

Rachel Falcon presented 2021 Rising Star Danny Ritz with his award.

 

2021 Rising Star Danielle Trabon received her award from Rachel Falcon.

 

Christin Painter, Lisa Shea, and Laura Gabriel

 

Jake Jacobson

 

Kristi and Andrew Fenton

 

Joanna Cuda and Charles Staufer

 

Deanna DiSalvo and Chuck Cuda

 

Artist Liz Vargas’ watercolor artwork was chosen as the award for each of the members of the 2021 Class of Rising Stars.

 

Joanne Collins and Greg Lever

 

Tom Styrkowicz

 

Each member of the Rising Star Class of 2021 received a framed copy of this illustration by Liz Vargas of the fountain in Kauffman Gardens. Liz originally trained as an engineer. In recent years, she has renewed her childhood interest in art. She prefers to work with ink and water colors. Liz greatly enjoys painting from life, particularly outdoor scenes in Our Town. Her work has won many awards. In addition, Liz is a co-founder of Urban Sketchers Kansas City, a global community of artists who practice drawing on location. Her work can be found online at etsy.com/shop/lizvargasart.

Additional photos featured in the September 4, 2021 issue of The Independent
Photo credit: Phoebe Rain and Tom Styrkowicz

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