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 […]

Frank Fitzhugh Buckner Houston (as an adult, he pronounced his last name “Hewston,” although his brother Sid, a newspaperman, preferred “Howston”) was born in December 1899, near the tail end of the 19th century. He was a native of Mexico, Missouri. His father was Algernon Sidney Houston, a lumberman much involved in Masonic activities. His […]

The University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation’s  An Evening of Appreciation was held on April 30th in Warrensburg, Missouri. At the event, 16 donors were inducted into the Founder’s Society, and four were honored with the UCM Founding Philanthropist Award.   Featured in the May 28, 2022 issue of The Independent.

The Overland Park Convention Center was the site for Saint Luke’s Foundation’s Books & Boutiques event. Sarah Smarsh, New York Times best-selling author, was the featured speaker. Proceeds from the event support Saint Luke’s South Hospital’s cardiovascular program.       Featured in the May 28, 2022 issue of The Independent.

The lovely home of  Tina and Jeff Montgomery was the site for the Patrons’ Party for Kansas City Young Matrons’ 2022 Magic Ball. Anne Keil and Debbie Westlund served as co-chairmen for the April 28th event. The 2022 Magic Ball, which was held on April 30th, was a benefit for Sheffield Place. Ben McAnany and […]

Boulevard Brewing Company was the site for Brew for Books, a benefit for The Family Conservancy, on April 21st. Amid much merriment, 300 books were collected. This will help promote early literacy for at-risk children in Our Town.     Featured in the May 28, 2022 issue of The Independent.

Loews Kansas City Hotel was the site for the Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball 2022, “Una Notte a Roma.” Gigi Rose served as chairman of the April 9th event. Cocktails, a silent auction, and dinner (served in courses, as in Rome) were on the agenda. There were performances by resident artists from the Lyric […]

Donna Jacobson has devoted the last 13 years to volunteering for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. With her background in social work, she gravitated towards helping the families of sick children navigate the difficult world they were entering. Donna has been a housewarmer volunteer, a house dog walker, a special events volunteer, and, […]

April 2nd was the date for the 16th annual Dancing with the Kansas City Stars, a benefit for Cristo Rey Kansas City, which was held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Christina Ricci and Matt Sharples were the honorary co-chairmen, and Susan Spencer and Julie Towner served as the co-chairmen. This year’s […]

A record number of seven endowed positions were awarded at the 2022 Investiture Ceremony at Children’s Mercy on April 13th. Dr. Denise Bratcher was the recipient of the Dr. Sidney F. Pakula Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Mark A. Clements was awarded the Rick and Cathy Baier Family Endowed Chair in Endocrinology. Dr. […]

Keith Stanfield is a multi-faceted leader with a passion for engaging with his community and providing opportunities for others to experience the power of music. This talented, accomplished, and classically trained violinist is the artistic executive director of the Opus 76 Quartet, concertmaster of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and the Kinnor Philharmonic Orchestra, and […]