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 […]

Oh the weather outside is frightful(ly hot). But it won’t be for long, so take a close look at this fall’s diverse and provocative mix of music, dance, and theater: with representation from six of the world’s seven continents! (We’re still working on Antarctica…)  SEPTEMBER  6-24: Unicorn Theatre; Native Gardens; The Mexican-born Karen Zacarías, one […]

October 1st is the date for Powell Gardens’ annual Under a Harvest Moon. The festive evening will be held at The Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens. Susan Ambler Spencer is the event chair, and Courtney Earnest is being honored posthumously as the honorary chair. Guests at the festive soiree will enjoy an evening of cocktails, […]

Join us in our proud send-off to the Class of 2023. We wish the best to these amazing students as they start their exciting journeys around the country!                  

You already know that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, but did you know that he started the Humble Beginnings Foundation this year? Legends Field was the site for the first annual Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game, featuring Marquez and his teammates, which was held on June 9th. Proceeds are […]

Susan Lordi Marker and Dennis Marker will be the honorary chairmen of the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 56th annual Nutcracker Ball. The December 1st event will be held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Jo Anne Dondlinger is the chairman. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Proceeds support Kansas City Ballet performances, […]

Henry Francis Sorenson was born on January 26th. He was 22 inches long at birth and has blue eyes and brown hair. His older brother, Wyatt Timothy, age two, is known as “Tiny,” and so Henry is called “Tinier.” (We suspect they think of themselves as “Big” and “Bigger”  – we’ll know more when they’re […]

Mrs. Grant Matthew Wilkerson (Nancy Freeman Wilkerson) is serving as the 2023 BOTAR president, and she is the epitome of what a family tradition looks like. There have been myriad family members involved in the BOTAR organization, as well as the American Royal through the years, and this is the natural culmination of that familial […]

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee will honor Joe Reardon with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at the annual Human Relations Event on November 19th at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Joe’s career highlights have included serving as mayor and chief executive officer of the United Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas […]

Kansas City may be landlocked but that hasn’t stopped a local rising star from making waves with her contagious energy for making a difference. Meet Sarah Owings, a compassionate individual  whose volunteerism has brought joy and positive change to the lives of many. Recently recognized as a Rising Star by The Independent, Sarah has made her […]

Jazzoo, a benefit for the Kansas City Zoo, was on June 2nd. The co-chairmen were Hayley Hanson, Todd McGuire, and Maurice Watson. Guests enjoyed strolling the grounds and sampling tasty treats from more than 50 restaurants and caterers. The festivities included live bands, dueling pianos, DJs, dancers, and aerial performers.            […]

Jewish Family Services’ Birthday Bash celebrated the organization’s 120th anniversary with festivities that included family-friendly activities, hands-on service projects, and a birthday-themed food drive, in addition to a birthday party. The icing on the cake? An interactive performance with Lisa Loeb, the Grammy Award winner! Jenny Isenberg served as the chair. JFS provides essential services […]