Mr. and Mrs. Louis Edward Swyden of Leawood are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Alyson Patricia Swyden, to Ryan Michael Burnett, the son of Maxine Morillo Novotny of Wichita, Kansas, and Mr. Ray Burnett of Wichita, Kansas. Aly is the granddaughter of Jo Alice Swyden of Our Town and the late Mr. […]

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Leo Gallagher of Springfield, Missouri, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Whitney Leigh Gallagher, to Robert Beech Reagan, the son of Connie Ann Reagan of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri, and Mr. Robert Forest Reagan of Oak Grove, Missouri. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Marie Brinkman of Pittsburg, Kansas, […]

Melynn Sight has known Barnett Helzberg, founder of University Academy, all of her life. She was a Helzberg Leadership Fellow, and Barnett was her mother’s elementary school sweetheart. Melynn is now volunteering at University Academy in a unique anti-bullying curriculum, Step Up Sisterhood, which was developed by Synergy Services’ STOP Violence program. Melynn meets with […]

Ryan Myers earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri. He is a member of Centurions, class of 2017. Ryan serves on the Arts and Education Task Force and the recruitment committee. He and his wife, Sara, have three children, Meredith, Isaac and Luke. Ryan enjoys coaching soccer and […]

February 18th was the date for Miles of Smiles’ VIP Kick-off Reception for Brush Up On Fashion at the beautiful home of Shirley Pryor. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and a special shopping event with Meierotto Jewelers. Susan Hiland is serving as chairman of the third annual luncheon and fashion show on April 8th at […]

February 25th was the date for Friends of University Academy’s Documentary Screening  of An American Ascent for friends and supporters at Alamo Drafthouse. Guests enjoyed a private screening of the film, a panel discussion and an opportunity to meet one of the climbers, Rosemary Saal, as well as Andy Adkins, co-producer; and James Mills, author […]

Cabaret, a benefit for Rose Brooks Center, was held on February 28th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Jennifer Gille Bacon and Bud Bacon were chairmen of the 29th annual event that featured entertainment by the legendary Neil Sedaka. Proceeds support the critical work Rose Brooks Center does in Our Town to […]

Grace Corley is this year’s recipient of the Scott Pioli Family Scholarship through WIN for KC. Grace has been involved as a volunteer, team captain and as the co-chairman of the Youth Advisory Board for 2015 and 2016. Grace will graduate from Blue Valley North High School in May. Scott Pioli, Atlanta Falcons; and his […]

On May 7th, join the Kansas City Museum as they honor the Long’s love of horses and Loula Long Combs’ equestrian legacy at The Derby Party. On the Museum’s historic grounds, enjoy music by The Grisly Hand band, southern food created by the Local Pig, southern cocktails made with local Kansas City distillery labels, yard […]

The new 1900 Building Event Space was the perfect setting for The Independent’s Top Ten Party on February 18th. The Top Ten Events of 2015 and The Independent’s 2016 Class of Rising Stars were announced. Each Rising Star was presented with a custom Lindsey Nichols print of Our Town. Partygoers savored delicious fare from Lon […]

Opal was adopted by Kimberly Winter Stern in February from Great Plains SPCA. Playful, loving and curious, Opal now resides at her fur-ever home with cat sibling, Buddens. Opal was a special medical case at Great Plains SPCA, but the no kill animal welfare agency provided her with the care she needed until she found […]

January 30th was the date for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenge Your Fashion event at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Rex Hudler and Steven St. John served as emcees. Proceeds support the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenger adaptive program for kids with diverse abilities. Rex Hudler had a […]

Committee members for MOCSA’s Community Luncheon gathered at The Mezzanine at Lead Bank for a planning meeting hosted by MOCSA Board Secretary Josh Rowland. The May 6th luncheon will be held at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Jeffrey S. Bucholtz, co-director of We End Violence; is the keynote speaker. Heidi Peter, […]

Sara Colt and Susan Morris were honorary co-chairmen of the 11th annual Girls’ Night In: A Heartfelt Evening of Storytelling on February 9th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Proceeds support the Adelaide C. Ward Women’s Heart Health Center at The University of Kansas Hospital and Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing. Leslie […]

The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences recently hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its newly renovated Administration Building that served as the kick-off event for the 2016 Centennial Celebration. Originally home to the first Children’s Mercy Hospital, the 100-year old building was purchased by KCU Alumni Association in 1971 and now features artwork […]

Cara and Travis Rhoades are serving as chairmen of the fourth annual Pour for More, a benefit for KidsTLC. The Palm Beach themed-event will be held on April 22nd at The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, farm-fresh food from Café Sebastienne, local entertainment, silent auction bar carts, and dancing. Cara […]

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Painter Thompson of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Blair Stewart Thompson, to William Quigley Lucas Bruning, the son of Daphne Nan Muchnic of Mission Hills and Mr. William Lucas Bruning of Mission Hills. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. Parkman Halsey Clancy of […]

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Grasse of St. Louis, Missouri, are pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter, Pamela Jane Ganer, to Richard Bradley Winter, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Winter of Mission Hills. The bride-to-be is also the daughter of the late Mr. Donald Ganer. Pamela is a graduate of Nerinx Hall […]

Lauren Joan Lee and Alonzo Everett Lane IV were married on August 28th at Secrets The Vine Cancun in Cancun, Mexico. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Richard Lee of Towson, Maryland. Lauren is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hung Check Leung and the late Mr. and Mrs. […]

Eric Hofmann, Julie Shuss and Sean Burrell are dedicated to impacting the health of children, their families and communities through reactive and preventative initiatives at First Hand Foundation. Eric is a founding member of the Rolling for First Hand motorcycle ride, Julie is the silent auction lead for the Masquerade Ball and Sean Burrell is […]

Excitement was at an all time high for the announcement of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mid-America Chapter’s 2016 Man & Woman of the Year candidates. A Kick-Off Party was held on March 3rd at AMC Entertainment. For the next 10 weeks, the candidates will raise funds to reach their goal of collecting more than […]