In life, our best-laid plans often take unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. Such is the case for Pam Liberda, head chef and owner of Waldo Thai. Pam has single-handedly introduced a new world of Thai cuisine to Kansas City and is on the list of who’s who among chefs. The James […]

Anyone with a penchant for the aromatic flavors of Indian food, the vibrant colors of a fine Sari, or a sporting game of cricket, may dream of traveling to the Jewel of the East. However, thanks to the India Association of Kansas City (IAKC), one needn’t make a journey overseas to enjoy these sensory delights. […]

Attend an event in Kansas City and chances are you may spot Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill, the city’s only food truck of its kind. With a unique brand, authentic Hawaiian flavors, and an equally noteworthy man behind the brand, this food truck is not one to miss.  Irvin “Irv” Der, chef and owner, worked in the […]

On June 15th, Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza will come alive with the International Dragon Boat Festival. “This family-friendly, free event features the only dragon boat racing competition held in a creek,” said Joan Pu, vice president of the Society for Friendship with China. “The races will take place from 10 a.m. to […]

She loves being an advocate for women and the Asian community; she is crazy about the arts scene in Kansas City; she doesn’t fully understand the concept of downtime; and Jasmine Thompson is passionate about tequilas! This woman of many talents and flavors is an entrepreneurial spirit at heart and in practice.  Born in Taiwan, […]

Several aspects of Benny Lee’s formative years in Taiwan became driving forces in his life, and engendered curiosity, toughness, and positivity that continue to inspire him to this day.  The death of his father when Benny was just 13 impacted him greatly: He learned much about tenacity and self-reliance watching his mother learn new job […]

Chris Constant is a beautifully complicated man, yet so very humble and charming, it’s almost hard to believe that so many talents and qualities exist in just one soft-spoken man. As he unfolds, much like a piece of origami, we find out so many endearing and intriguing pieces. Born in South Korea and adopted by […]

Book clubs provide more than just thought-provoking discussions of books. They provide connection, camaraderie, and an enriching experience for readers. Interested in the advent of fully digital book clubs, I recently got the chance to interview Alexandra and Tiffany, the founders of Subtle Asian Book Club. Childhood best friends from the suburbs of Los Angeles, […]

Park ICM recently hosted a Benefactor Party for its fifth annual Stanislav & Friends benefit. Held at the rooftop ballroom of the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, guests were treated to a performance by graduate student Ilya Shmukler, pianist. The event featured cocktails, delicious fare, and remarks from Honorary Chairmen Phyllis and Ronald Nolan […]

March 2nd was the date for Notre Dame de Sion’s 38th Annual Gala, which was held at The Abbott. The festive event featured a “Noir et Blanc” theme. Partygoers dressed in black and white cocktail attire and enjoyed cocktails, a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, and bourbon and cigars, in addition to champagne and […]

The Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame was the site for the Patrons’ Party for the Kansas City Young Matrons’ Magic Ball on March 7th. Bonne Illig and Sue Lund served as the Patrons’ Party co-chairmen. The Magic Ball, a benefit for Inclusion Connections and its BelongKC initiative, was held on March 9th. Julie Cain […]

While we throw around familiar terms for our beloved KCAI, we thought it might be interesting to explore who the benefactors are, what are the origins of the institution, and a brief history.  In 1885, at the suggestion of Fred Richardson of The Fine Arts Institute of Chicago, The Sketch Club was organized with the […]

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy hosted its 50th Civic Service Celebration at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Jane and Josh Sosland were the chairs for the March 10th event. Mindy Corporon was honored with the Civic Service Award for her exceptional community service and founding of SevenDays. More than 300 guests enjoyed performances, dinner, a program, […]

Guests gathered to “Light the Path” in hope for the future at the 20th annual Red Hot Night Gala, benefiting Children’s Mercy’s Illuminate Mental Health Initiative. Jon Porter and Dan Lumma were the co-chairs of the February 3rd event, which was held at the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom. The honorary co-chairs were Becci and Jeff […]

                                                      Additional photos featured in the April 20, 2024 issue of The Independent.

More than 1,000 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center on February 24th for Benedictine College’s 52nd annual Scholarship Ball. The sold-out event was a huge success. Lené Westerman and Kate and Patrick Carr were the co-chairmen, and John Holt served as the emcee. Colleen and Kevin O’Malley were honored with the Cross of […]

Jillian Grier Campbell and James Henry Helzberg were united in matrimony on September 30th at The Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Susan Grier Campbell of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Douglas Campbell of Kansas City, Missouri. Jillian is the granddaughter of Virginia and James Grier of Paradise […]

The Overland Park Convention Center was the site filled with purple for the K-State Alumni Association’s Wabash CannonBall. The 17th annual event was held on February 23rd. More than 900 partygoers enjoyed a fun-filled evening and raised valuable scholarship funds for students from the Kansas City area.                Featured in […]

Behind the scenes of Kansas City’s most impactful causes are some of the hardest working, mission-driven people you will meet. One such person is Jason Banks, whom The Independent has recognized as one of its Rising Stars of 2024. Jason has consistently devoted himself to a variety of charitable organizations during the years, volunteering and […]

Not surprisingly, books are my favorite gift to give. I love giving books because they aren’t just presents. They can be stories of adventure or romance, a way to try and step into another person’s shoes, a source of learning or inspiration, or even guidance for the next chapter in life. As graduation approaches, books […]

February 17th was the date for Inclusion Connections’ 10th annual FashionAbility Gala, which was held at the Embassy Suites in Olathe. More than 700 guests were treated to inspiring fashion presentations, heartfelt testimonials, and a fun evening to celebrate the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with all abilities. Debbie Horn, Inclusion Connections; and Jon Twidwell, […]