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 […]

May 11th was the date for Hats Off to Mothers, a benefit for Life Unlimited, which was held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The event recognizes mothers who have demonstrated the remarkable ability to balance family life, personal achievement, and service to our community. Lisa Block, Stephanie Freeman, Sandra Lawrence, Laura Perin, Anita Robb, […]

May 1st was the date for Kansas City Young Matrons’ annual Installation Day Tea. Members enjoyed a lovely brunch hosted by Diane Roth. The new president, Mary Katz, was installed, in addition to the board of directors. Long-standing members were recognized, and Bonne Illig received the Honorable Life Membership award.       Featured in […]

September 30th is the date for the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s Night at the Tower. Kimberlee and Erik Bergrud and Katrina and Tom Henke are the event co-chairs. Members of the Bergman Family are the honorary chairs. The evening will be a celebration of everything our treasured Museum and Memorial does for our city. […]

The Belles of The American Royal are pleased to announce the selection of Nancy Freeman Wilkerson as the 2023 BOTAR president. Nancy was a BOTAR Page in 1982, and is a member of the BOTAR class of 1997. She has served on the BOTAR executive committee as the recording secretary in 2008, the vice president […]

What’s Jeff Jaworski’s passion? Advocating for Catholic education. Since 2021, he has been the chair of the Catholic Education Foundation’s board of directors. During his tenure, CEF has been able to reach more students in northeast Kansas and offer more scholarship funds. His efforts don’t stop there – he even served as the co-emcee for […]

The Ben and Betty Zarda 42nd Annual Golf Classic, a benefit for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, was held on May 15th. More than 130 golfers gathered for the event, which was held at Lake Quivira Country Club. Proceeds support the organization to provide critical food assistance for families during the summer months.   Featured […]

Kris Reeder is serving as the event committee chair for the Chiefs Charity Game, which will benefit MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). He is also leading the  fundraising efforts during the final year of a three-year partnership with the Hunt Foundation. The event, which will be held on August 26th at Arrowhead Stadium, […]

An executive director plays a less glamorous role in most arts organizations than that of the artistic director, but creative and imaginative thinking is essential to both jobs. Kansas City Ballet’s choice of David Gray as its new executive director was shrewd: The former publicist, arts consultant, and non-profit guru has written screenplays, a novel […]

Fur Ball 2023 – Paws Vegas, a benefit for Wayside Waifs, was held on May 13th at the Overland Park Convention Center. Joann Fuller and Forrest Cook and Margaret and Nick Davis served as the event co-chairs. Gary Lezak reprised his role as emcee – and was honored with the Animal Humanitarian Award. Accompanying Gary […]

Welcome House’s 10th Annual Breakfast brought down the house, while building a new house! Keynote speaker Cris Carter, of NFL fame, delivered a powerful message about his addiction and recovery to the packed house in attendance. Included in the festive morning were a raffle and live auction to play golf with Tom Watson. Welcome House […]

The Jewel Ball Prelude Party officially kicked off the 2023 Jewel Ball season on June 1st at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s Debutantes, Gentlemen of The Jewel Ball, and Escorts were introduced to representatives from the Kansas City Symphony and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, beneficiaries of The Jewel Ball. Guests […]