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 […]

September 25th was the date for the 32nd Annual Strutt With Your Mutt. (There was no muttering about the weather – it was a beautiful day!) Proceeds support the rescue and care for the homeless animals at Wayside Waifs.           Featured in the October 29, 2022 issue of The Independent.

Under a Harvest Moon, a benefit for Powell Gardens, was held on September 25th. Cindy Judge and Jay Longbottom were the honorary chairs, with Kristopher Dabner serving as the event chair.  Committee members were David Mertz, Anne Riker Powell, Ruthie Rinehart, Susan Spencer, and Emily Uhlmann Fehsenfeld. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a silent auction, live music, […]

September 17th was the date for Johnson County Library Foundation’s Library Lets Loose event, which was held at the Central Resource Library in Overland Park. Guests were welcomed by Honorary Hosts Senia and Will Shields and the Shawnee Mission South Jazz Band. Partygoers enjoyed a “Let Loose Juice” signature cocktail, delicious bites from local restaurants, […]

More than 350 guests gathered on September 22nd for First Call’s 10th annual Celebration Evening. Laura and Chris Vernaci served as the event chairs. Chef Gregory Gourdet, guest speaker; shared his story of recovery and hope with Lara Moritz and the audience. Guests enjoyed dinner, a live auction, and a client testimonial. Proceeds support the […]

Jim Keller is a longtime volunteer with Pathway To Hope. The organization’s motto, “Because no one should face mental illness alone” resonates with him. A quarter of a century ago, someone close to him died after struggling with bipolar disorder. Jim was the original Night of Hope event coordinator. He guided the gala planning efforts […]

Indian Hills Country Club was the site for Kansas City Ballet Guild’s annual Fall Luncheon, which was held on September 8th. President Melissa Ford greeted the guests, who were treated to a beautiful preview of the upcoming season by members of the Kansas City Ballet Second Company.       Featured in the October 29, […]

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was the site for The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “Royal Gala – Let’s Have a Ball.” Marny and John Sherman were the Ball honorary chairs, and Sue Ann Fagerberg and Ursula Terrasi served as the Ball co-chairs of the September 10th event. The sold-out evening honored Our Town’s […]

Jillian Alexis Mullin and Pedro Henrique Cordeiro were united in matrimony on June 18th at The Simpson House in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of  Georgianna and James L. “Lenny” Mullin II of Lenexa, Kansas. Jillian is the granddaughter of Irene Manuel of Lenexa, and the late Herschel Manuel, and Marla and […]

On September 30th, BOTARs and escorts of the Class of 2022 gathered with BOTAR members for a delightful time at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. The Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown was the site for The BOTAR Ball, which was held on October 15th. Amy Polen is this year’s BOTAR […]

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gerard Spivak of Leawood, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Meghan Elizabeth Spivak, to Elijah James Beal, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Beal of Belleville, Illinois. Meghan is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School. She earned a bachelor of science degree in […]