“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is […]

Park ICM recently hosted a Benefactor Party for its fifth annual Stanislav & Friends benefit. Held at the rooftop ballroom of the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, guests were treated to a performance by graduate student Ilya Shmukler, pianist. The event featured cocktails, delicious fare, and remarks from Honorary Chairmen Phyllis and Ronald Nolan […]

March 2nd was the date for Notre Dame de Sion’s 38th Annual Gala, which was held at The Abbott. The festive event featured a “Noir et Blanc” theme. Partygoers dressed in black and white cocktail attire and enjoyed cocktails, a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, and bourbon and cigars, in addition to champagne and […]

The Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame was the site for the Patrons’ Party for the Kansas City Young Matrons’ Magic Ball on March 7th. Bonne Illig and Sue Lund served as the Patrons’ Party co-chairmen. The Magic Ball, a benefit for Inclusion Connections and its BelongKC initiative, was held on March 9th. Julie Cain […]

While we throw around familiar terms for our beloved KCAI, we thought it might be interesting to explore who the benefactors are, what are the origins of the institution, and a brief history.  In 1885, at the suggestion of Fred Richardson of The Fine Arts Institute of Chicago, The Sketch Club was organized with the […]

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy hosted its 50th Civic Service Celebration at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Jane and Josh Sosland were the chairs for the March 10th event. Mindy Corporon was honored with the Civic Service Award for her exceptional community service and founding of SevenDays. More than 300 guests enjoyed performances, dinner, a program, […]

Guests gathered to “Light the Path” in hope for the future at the 20th annual Red Hot Night Gala, benefiting Children’s Mercy’s Illuminate Mental Health Initiative. Jon Porter and Dan Lumma were the co-chairs of the February 3rd event, which was held at the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom. The honorary co-chairs were Becci and Jeff […]

Tyrone Aiken danced prodigiously as a youth, trained at The Ailey School as a young adult, worked as a professional dancer at the height of the New York dance ferment, and even ran his own company at one point. Today he is best known nationwide for the pioneering work as educator that has occupied him […]

                                                      Additional photos featured in the April 20, 2024 issue of The Independent.

More than 1,000 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center on February 24th for Benedictine College’s 52nd annual Scholarship Ball. The sold-out event was a huge success. Lené Westerman and Kate and Patrick Carr were the co-chairmen, and John Holt served as the emcee. Colleen and Kevin O’Malley were honored with the Cross of […]

Jillian Grier Campbell and James Henry Helzberg were united in matrimony on September 30th at The Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Susan Grier Campbell of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Douglas Campbell of Kansas City, Missouri. Jillian is the granddaughter of Virginia and James Grier of Paradise […]