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 […]

Wayside Waifs’ 33rd Annual Strutt With Your Mutt was a howling success! Bobby Sight and David Smart served as co-chairs of the September 24th event. Proceeds from the fun day support abandoned, abused, and homeless animals in our metro area, creating a more humane Kansas City for both animals and people.   Featured in the […]

Joined in matrimony on July 29th at the Woodland Mosaic Solarium at Denver Botanic Gardens were Dr. Shannon Leigh O’Connor and Dr. Michael Scott Miller. Shannon is the daughter of the late Rebecca Culpepper Benson and the late Dale Eugene O’Connor, and the late Dr. William Frank Benson. Michael is the son of Andrew Miller […]

The 12th Annual Committee of 100 Celebratory Luncheon was held on September 19th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Ashley Whittaker, designer and author of “The Well-Loved House,” was the featured speaker. After the presentation, guests enjoyed a beautiful luncheon in Kirkwood Hall. Shelley Copaken and Amy Thompson were the Luncheon co-chairmen, and Kay Newell […]

September 26th was the date for The Lyric Opera Ball Kickoff, which was hosted at the gorgeous home of Pam Bruce. Committee members enjoyed cocktails and appetizers by the pool. The Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball, “A Toast To Opera,” will be held on April 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City […]

Kansas City Young Matrons’ annual Civics and Honoring Day was held on October 2nd. The membership gathered to honor the president, past presidents, silver members, life members, and honorary members, in addition to a special presentation to Lucinda Rice-Petrie for leading Heritage Hikes. The Merry Matrons entertained the group with a song to introduce the […]

Kansas City Ballet welcomed its 66th season at its annual Season Launch Party, which was held on October 13th at Benton’s in The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Devon Carney and David Gray, both of Kansas City Ballet, greeted guests, who then enjoyed the North American Premiere of Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde at […]

The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties is honored to present outstanding high school students at its 73rd Annual Community Ball and Cotillion on December 2nd. Participants were chosen based on their leadership, character, and service, and they represent 15 area high schools.        Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of […]

The Carl J. DiCapo family will serve as honorary chairs for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Committee this year, to honor the memory of the emeritus board member. Thirty years ago, Carl DiCapo served as the co-chair for the committee, which helps to raise funds for critical programs and services during the holiday season. He […]

October 1st was the date for Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care’s Sunday Night Live. The event, which was held at KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District, featured a “Celebrate Compassion” theme. Casey Simmons and Sloane Simmons were the event co-chairs, and Kevin Dunn, Bob Legler, Shelly Legler, and Brady Legler served […]

Hotel Kansas City was the site for First Call’s Soiree, which was held on September 28th. Karen and Jeffry Gerson were the event chairs. The newly reimagined event featured a keynote performance by live painter, John Bukaty. Guests were treated to a lovely dinner, an auction, and most importantly, stories of hope from former First […]

The Whole Person’s 2023 Casino Royale Night of Independence Awards Gala was held on September 22nd at Harrah’s Casino. The event raises funds for and toasts people living independently with disabilities. Receiving the Independence Award was 14-year-old Brinley Hutson, who has discovered her identity as an athlete! The spirited atmosphere featured dinner, casino games, silent […]

Children’s Mercy Hospital hosted Dream Big Day in September in Crown Center Square, with a one-mile walk and a family-friendly celebration. Besides having fun, the day was a fundraiser which rallied the community around the mission of providing answers, hope, and care to patients and their families.   Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue […]

The Snow Ball season has officially begun for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas! The Patron, Table, and Snowflake committee members gathered recently at Indian Hills Country Club to kick off the 50th Anniversary. Guest speakers included Lauren Solidum, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and Kershana, a St. Rita program graduate. Veronica and Peter Mallouk are serving […]

More than 220 guests gathered for Jackson County CASA’s Cocktails for CASA – A Night of Hope auction, which was held on October 6th at The Guild. The fifth annual event featured special guests KC Wolf and Chiefs Cheerleaders, a wine pull, a specialty CASA-colada cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and more. Proceeds […]

The BOTAR Organization participates in conducting school tours of The American Royal twice, annually. Each year, members gather in May and October to help guide school children through the various programs and offerings at The Royal.      Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of The Independent. Photo credit: Bailey Pianalto Photography

Kansas City Ballet Guild members gathered at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity on September 28th to assemble invitations for the 2023 Nutcracker Ball. The Guild’s 56th annual gala will be held on December 1st at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Jo Anne Dondlinger is serving as the Ball chairman, and […]

Founded in 1995 by David W. Bland and Marianne Roos, Travois exists to support Indigenous clients as they build affordable housing and grow their economies. While this is not a Native-owned organization, they feel, “It is imperative that we steadfastly acknowledge this context and continually educate ourselves about the realities faced by those we serve.” […]

With the resurgence of interest in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, I felt that this list of First Nations and Native American authors is quite timely. There are a few authors who have entered into the national canon. Louise Erdrich is well known and well respected in literary fiction, Stephen Graham Jones is one of […]

The National Urban Indian Family Coalition, founded in 2003 by Janeen Comenote, elevates a national voice for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban communities and sustains indigenous values and culture through a strong network of urban Indian organizations. The NUIFC is proud to support the Kansas City Indian Center, one of the only […]

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kansas City underwent significant growth, transforming into a busy trading and transportation hub that attracted a continuous influx of settlers. Within the growing population, two Native American sisters, Eliza “Lyda” and Helena “Lena” Conley of the Wyandot tribe, found themselves in a fierce conflict with city officials […]