The Loop KC brings together similar yet unique minds to create genuine friendships and ignite the next generation of business leaders in Kansas City. Members of The Loop KC are required to give back to local non-profit organizations. Learn more about The Loop KC, here.   “I’m fortunate to say that I work for one of […]

To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org. The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC. Julianne DeLessio is employed with Union Station Kansas City as its donor and corporate relations manager, where she works with corporate partners and sponsors, as […]

Because Steve Jobs brought us the iPhone, the iPad, iTunes, the Mac, and a host of other indispensable devices, there are always going to be retellings of his life. One of the more intriguing, if perhaps frustratingly incomplete, is that of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, the celebrated 2017 opera by composer Mason Bates and librettist […]

If music is a universal language, then why have its institutions historically been run almost entirely by men? Women account for roughly half of the audience for classical music, yet the leadership of orchestras, opera companies, presenters, and choirs has remained lopsidedly male since the birth of European polyphony in the 12th century. The good […]

Ann Abercrombie and Kristin Tyson are serving as the honorary co-chairmen of the 28th Annual Community Luncheon, a benefit for Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). The event will be held on April 29th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The community support committee co-chairmen are Janea and JP Roberts […]

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Moore Benson of Leawood, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Caitlin Claire Benson, to Broderick Lee Johnson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Raymond Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. William Blaine Kircher of Fairway, Kansas, and the late Mrs. […]

A bouncing baby boy named Grant Thomas Shaffer was born on January 8th to Bridgette and Marc Shaffer of Overland Park, Kansas. He weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and was 19 inches long. Grant has dark blue eyes and “minimal” hair, to quote his father. The baby’s delighted grandparents are Annette and Thomas Casey and […]

KC Shepherd’s Center relies on volunteers to make its mission run, and Krucial Staffing has come to the rescue more than once! This group of helpers has done double duty on raking yards twice for older adults in our community. The eager bunch helps KC Shepherd’s Center provide programs, leadership, and advocacy to help both […]

1900 Building was the site for the February 24th cocktail party to celebrate The Independent’s 2022 Class of Rising Stars: Missy Andeel, Olivia Bloomfield, Mark Nuss, Keith Stanfield, Alisha Thomson, and Gene Willis, and to celebrate The Top Ten Events of 2021. Guests enjoyed delicious bites from Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions and celebrated another record-breaking […]

When Anna Curry and E. Kemper Carter – the E. stood for Evlane – were wed on Washington’s Birthday in 1936, they no doubt hoped to be together for the rest of their lives. They got their wish. Alas, some lifetimes are shorter than others.  Kemper, who was sometimes known as Kemp, hailed from Saint […]

Courtney Alexandra McCray and Christopher Jordan Swope have a June 18th wedding date. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Sandra Morello McCray of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Mr. Chandler Sherman McCray of Mission Hills, Kansas. Her groom-elect is the son of Susan Ann Swope of Topeka, Kansas, and Mr. Timothy Dean Swope of Topeka. Courtney […]

A Musical Evening with Ramona featuring Ramona Pansegrau, music director for the Kansas City Ballet, was enjoyed by members of KCB’s Bolender Society. The event was held on January 20th at The Kansas City Country Club. Also on the agenda were a special performance by KCB’s Second Company, an announcement by Devon Carney, artistic director, […]