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 […]

Kelly Privitera and Jill Ingram Reynolds were the co-hosts for the Lyric Opera Circle’s Spring Luncheon, which was held on May 3rd at Lidia’s Kansas City. The new board was installed, with Mary Beth Gentry, the outgoing president, passing the gavel to Carmen Sabates, the incoming president. Edie Downing and Juliette Singer, Lyric Opera Ball […]

A Benefactor Party for Life Unlimited’s Hats Off to Mothers was held at the beautiful home of Zulema and Terry Bassham. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, delicious fare, and fabulous views of Our Town. The 2023 Honorees, Lisa Block, Stephanie Freeman, Sandra Lawrence, Laura Perin, Anita Robb, Lynda Robertson, CiCi Rojas, Nancy Sachse, and Penny Still, were […]

May 5th was the date for Kansas City Ballet Guild’s annual Spring Luncheon. Cindy Wurm and Craig Sole served as co-chairmen of the festive event, which was held at Oakwood Country Club. Susan Sands and Jeanie Murphy coordinated a fashion show featuring KCB Second Company dancers in ballet costumes. Melissa Ford, Guild president, welcomed the […]

More than 170 supporters of Health Partnership Clinic gathered for its Opening Doors Celebration Luncheon, which was held on April 20th. Christel Bell was the emcee. Steve Loe, Shawnee Mission West High School, and Stephanie Novello, a client, were the featured speakers. This year’s Founders Award was presented to the Johnson County Department of Health […]

The HeartLight group at the Heartland Men’s Chorus is made up of people who don’t sing, but provide support in a variety of ways. Depending on their schedules, members of HeartLight may participate by attending the weekly rehearsals and assisting with setup, volunteering to help with events such as concerts, or in other ways, such […]

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”  – Audre Lorde Books, like people, come in all types of packages. There are different sizes, lengths, and genres. There are picture books (and graphic novels) where the image takes center stage, and fiction that paints […]

Anchor Island Coffee is located on the southeast corner of 41st and Troost. Serving specialty coffees and drinks, its menu is eclectic and there is something for everyone. One of my favorites is the Horchata Latte—a blend of espresso, vanilla, rice milk, and cinnamon. For the non-coffee drinkers, there is an array of fun drinks, […]

The Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America (GLAMA) includes a wide range of items, such as personal and organizational papers, images, magazines, ephemera, memorabilia, and other materials related to the history of the local LGBT communities. The Archives has two repositories: the LaBudde Special Collections Department at the Miller Nichols Library at the University of […]

The KVC Gala was held at The Abbott on May 5th. Margaux Blackwell and Kathy Woodward were the co-chairs for the event, which celebrated Cinco de Mayo. Dia Wall and Kevin Holmes served as the emcees. Guests enjoyed flavorful refreshments, a variety of live auction packages, a photo booth, the skills of a caricature artist, […]

The Kansas City Rose Society, now in its 92nd year, provides stewardship for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park. Margie Paxton and Vicki Riffle served as co-chairs for the annual Spring Tea, which was held on May 21st at Lidia’s Kansas City. The afternoon’s agenda included appetizers, cocktails, and a raffle […]

The Symphony League of Kansas City’s Symphony Ball Kickoff Party was held recently at the lovely home of Sarah Hancock. Sarah and Kathy Nordhus hosted the event. Guests learned about the exciting plans for this year’s Symphony Ball, “Seasons.”  Julie McCann and Gina Penner are serving as the co-chairmen for the September 9th event, which […]

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) held its Community Luncheon on May 5th. More than 1,000 guests gathered for the event, which was held at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Ann and Josh Rowland served as the honorary chairs, and Monica Gray and Tanesha Ford were the event co-chairs. Denise […]

Joanne Collins and Alvin Brooks are serving as the honorary co-chairmen for the inaugural Prom with a Purpose, a benefit for KC Shepherd’s Center. The September 30th event will be held at the Hy-Vee Arena. The theme will be “Dress Your Decade.” Partygoers will enjoy traditional “prom photos,” a Golden Ticket Raffle, Kansas City-inspired food […]

SAVE, Inc. was founded in 1986 as a response to the AIDS epidemic. When largely the gay male population was being affected by the disease, a group of volunteers founded SAVE Home. It was the first AIDS-specific hospice in the state of Missouri, and provided people who had lost everything due to the stigma around […]

Our Spot KC was founded by Starzette Palmer in 2016. Its mission is to provide safe, accepting, and affirming programming, services, and resources to empower the LGBTQ+ community. The organization provides advocacy, basic needs, crisis response, training/technical assistance, and housing. Our Spot KC’s housing program, Lion House, features emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing […]

Modern Family Alliance was founded in 2002 by Lynn Barnett, Cathy Hiersteiner, Lisa Fogle, Angela Metzger Degnon, and Gina Barnett. Its mission involves supporting LGBTQ+ parents and their children through events, resources, and education and fostering a community that is inclusive of all families. In 2005, the organization began hosting quarterly events, such as community […]

The Mid America Freedom Band was founded by Alan Day and Zachary Parker in 2001. It is now in its 20th season. During that time, it has grown from 14 musicians to more than 80. It currently operates three component ensembles: a full concert band, a jazz band known as the Mighty Mo Jazz Orchestra, […]

“Our Chamber is uniquely poised at the nexus of business, advocacy, and the LGBTQ+ community. We provide many of the same services other area Chambers of Commerce provide, with the added focus of creating an inclusive and equitable business environment for our businesses and their employees,” said Executive Director Suzanne Wheeler. The Chamber counts 487 […]

The Kansas City Rainbow Tour is a self-guided, app-narrated history of Kansas City’s rich LGBTQ+ past. The driving tour is the creation of Joel Barrett and is presented by Joel Speaks Out. A launch party was held on June 3rd at the Kansas City Museum. The Tour takes approximately one hour. It begins near the […]