The Belles of The American Royal organization was formed as an auxiliary to support the American Royal and agribusiness economy in Kansas City with civic involvement, volunteerism, and leadership through scholarships, events, and educational programs. Celebrating 75 years in 2024, the organization has donated more than one million dollars through The BOTAR Ball.
Mrs. Thomas Butler Kerr takes her turn on the runway before Mrs. Gerald L. Dickey, Mrs. George S. Moeller, Mrs. R. Todd Cannon, Jr., and Mrs. Peter Gattermeier, to model a gown for The Coronation Ball in 1969. Reprinted from the August 23, 1969 issue of The Independent. BOTAR alums, Frances Fuhri, Linda Bills, Linda Baker, and Mrs. R. Dinwiddie Groves, Jr., have a whirl on the merry-go-round at the American Royal’s new Exhibition Building in 1963. Reprinted from the September 7, 1963 issue of The Independent. BOTAR alumnae reminisce with the insigne; JoAnn Straube, the first president, sits beside Mrs. James G. Johnston, by-laws chairman. Standing, l. to r., Suzanne Sawyer, secretary; Mrs. George P. Luger, treasurer; Mrs. Cornelius E. Lombardi, Jr., veep; Mrs. Gordon T. Beaham III, publicity. Reprinted from the September 13, 1958 issue of The Independent. Virginia Jennings, at her buffet supper for sister BOTARs, serves American Royal Queen, Nancy Moore, a cup of coffee while Jo Ann Overman, the other Independence BOTAR looks on in 1958. Reprinted from the November 1, 1958 issue of The Independent. The 1966 BOTARs on their float at the American Royal parade Reprinted from the October 29, 1966 issue of The Independent.
