As Children’s Mercy Kansas City celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, they would like to highlight some of the many volunteers who help the hospital run smoothly. With more than 700 people volunteering their time and talents, including guiding families through the hospital, comforting babies in the NICU, critical behind-the-scenes processing of donations of clothes […]

Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City celebrated a milestone with its 50th Anniversary Gala. The February 17th event was held at the Kansas City Convention Center. The celebration was led by Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City; and Dr. Marjorie A. Williams, board chair. Michael Harriot was the keynote speaker, […]

The Independent is proud and pleased to be sharing a milestone anniversary with one of Our Town’s most significant civic treasures – The American Royal! As we celebrate their 125th year, we would like to share a few historical treats. Founded in 1899 as the National Hereford Show, the 300 head sold were at the […]

The BOTAR Organization celebrated the launch of its 75th anniversary year with a glorious fashion show, Cocktails & Couture, featuring every single gown from every year of the Belles of the American Royal. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center, the showcase of the evening was the runway, adorned with large […]

The Midland Theatre was the site for “Defying the Odds”: A HALO Art Auction Benefiting Homeless Youth on February 24th. More than 350 guests enjoyed entertainment from HALO youth, silent and live auctions, and the premiere of the HALO Short Film Documentary, Caylin. Proceeds support HALO to provide housing, healing, and education services to homeless […]

Survivor Sarah Klein will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Community Luncheon to benefit MOCSA on May 1st at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. As an attorney and a survivor of Olympic women’s gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, Sarah is an ally and an inspiration to so many. Given the […]

This Women’s History Month, we reached out to women in the community to find our their favorite reads. I’m excited to share their responses below. Kathy Donovan I am a proud board member of United We, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. I am passionate about removing barriers around women’s entrepreneurship, licensing, childcare, or equal […]

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health stressors weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of women and children alike. Whether it’s the soaring cost of living, the turmoil of politics, or the heartbreaking news of violence hitting close to home, the toll on our collective well-being is undeniable. In this whirlwind, self-care often takes a […]

Beauty standards have changed over the decades, continuously shaping the expectations that society has for women. In the 1910s, the hourglass figure with a cinched waist was de rigueur. In the 1960s, being ultra thin with no curves was all the rage. From the ‘60s to the present, beauty norms have continued to shift. However, […]

Rose Brooks Center held its 37th annual Cabaret on February 25th at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Michelle Emanuel Johnson and Jeff Johnson were the event chairs. Guests enjoyed a special performance by Kansas City native Willis White performing with the Willis White Project. Proceeds support Rose Brooks Center’s mission of breaking the cycle of domestic […]

Brooke Petro is not going to let anything get in her way – literally or figuratively. Visually impaired since the age of 18 months with a rare disease, this smart dynamo has conquered the world around her with intelligence and grace. Brooke Petro is changing the face of a visually impaired teenager.  Before learning more […]

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) will host its 30th annual Community Luncheon on May 1st with Kathy Koehler and Heather Bortnick serving as honorary co-chairs. Leah and Arlan Vomhof and Sujal Shah and Holly Garber are the community support committee co-chairs, and Monica Gray and Chris Gray are serving as the event co-chairs. […]

Allie Lynn Dillingham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Edwards Dillingham of Kansas City, is engaged to be married to Andrew Thomas Hipp on June 22nd at Union Station Kansas City. Andrew is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Thomas Hipp, Jr., also of Kansas City. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. Ronald […]

ROMANtic Revels featured a Roman theme this year, complete with a sword fight scene by HASF actors in appropriate garb, bringing a taste of Julius Caesar to the evening! The February 10th gala was held at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. Diana […]

Amy Embry and Carrie McLiney served as the co-chairmen for the Holidays in Crestwood Luncheon, a benefit for the Child Protection Center. The December 1st event was held at Aixois. The cozy and festive day featured a fabulous lunch, shopping, the annual gingerbread house contest, and much fun. Ten percent of sales benefited the mission […]

The Women United group of United Way has 650 members locally, and more than 55,000 globally, and it is open to anyone who donates $1,000 or more annually to United Way. The group was established in 2009 and continues to uplift women and make a positive impact on our area’s youngest residents. Their leadership and […]

Unbound is an international non profit that delivers more than $100 million in personalized support annually for children, elders, and their families living in poverty in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It has consistently and responsibly challenged poverty since 1981. Unbound is also the only major United States-based non profit that offers sponsorships for elders.  […]

Renny Arensberg Having just celebrated her 20th anniversary at KVC Health Systems, Renny Arensberg has no intention of slowing down! Renny comes equipped with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Kansas and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University, and a lengthy career in human resources, consulting, leadership, and coaching. All […]

Eliza Barr is very forthcoming about using her own experiences to inform her professional duties as the passionate and qualified executive director of Reaching Out From Within. Not familiar with ROFW? It is the non-profit organization created more than 40 years ago by SuEllen Fried, revered philanthropist and civic leader. Long known as an anti-bullying […]

How lucky is Kansas City to have a native daughter return to the metro area to lead the city and a worldwide sports event in one of its finest hours? Very lucky, indeed. Katherine Holland was possibly the only person who could fill these shoes at this time in Our Town’s history. This Pembroke Hill […]

It’s that time of year again when spring break beckons. Whether you prefer carefree days spent in the sun, or the wind and snow of the slopes, this time of year embodies the chance to escape to a different setting. Not everyone will be traveling during spring break, but you can always travel through the […]