American Public Square at Jewell, a group dedicated to convening non-like-minded people to improve the tone and quality of civil discourse and find paths toward common ground, will host its annual event, Evening at the Square, on December 9th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Host Committee Co-chairs Dr. Valerie Chow and Judge Jon R. […]

We have long recognized that the arts can aid in certain types of healing. Music, art, and dance therapy — which have grown into sophisticated, goal-oriented disciplines — offer practical tools that serve both physical and psychotherapy and can assist in treating post-traumatic stress, dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease, and even certain mental illnesses.  Drama therapy, which traces […]

Nearly 500 people gathered at Loews Kansas City Hotel to celebrate Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy’s first five years of service to our community at its Leading With Love galaon September 6th. The highlight of the evening was the heartfelt testimony by student Kei’Mauri Brown and her mother, Gloria. Founder and Board Chair Christine Kemper […]

The Johnson County Library Foundation’s 2024 Library Lets Loose event was themed, “Top Secret: An Evening of Espionage.” September 21st at a classified location (actually the Central Resource Library), found more than 500 stealthy agents (guests) decked out and enjoying drinks, delicious fare, raffle prizes, a scavenger hunt, and dancing. The very successful mission raised […]

Changing lives (and diapers!) is the name of the game for HappyBottoms’ Diaper Bowl 2024. Held on September 19th at Ameristar Casino, the event drew more than 350 guests, who enjoyed an evening of festive fun, while raising money to support the 6,500 local children who receive diapers every single month.  Featured in the November […]

October 3rd was the date for Job One’s Business Partner Breakfast. The third annual event was a celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. More than 100 guests enjoyed the program recognizing business partners Colonial Gardens, Commerce Bank, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Job One receptionist, Natalie Kemp, served as the […]

More than 300 supporters of Jewish Family Services (JFS) gathered at the historic Madrid Theatre for the organization’s inaugural event, Bright Night. The celebration illuminated the life-changing work done in the community through Jewish Family Services. Three generations of the Himmelstein family served as honorary chairs, and the event co-chairs were Danielle and Jeremy Antes […]

On September 28th, Night at the Tower celebrated the National WWI Museum and Memorial and its impact across the globe.Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of festivities, complete with delicious food and drinks, a live auction, views from the top of the Tower, and an after-party on the Memorial Courtyard with desserts, drinks, and dancing. Shirley […]

Children’s Mercy Hospital formally invested three endowed faculty positions at the 2024 Investiture Ceremony on October 10th at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute. Honored were Dr. Brooke Fridley, health outcomes; Stephanie Meyer, nursing leadership; and Dr. Laura Vricella, fetal medicine. Thanks to the Stanley H. Durwood Foundation, Melva and Dr. Randall O’Donnell, and Elizabeth and […]

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art welcomed a sellout crowd to the 13th annual Committee of 100 Luncheon on September 17th. Ellen Merriman was the honorary chairman, and Jennifer Johnson Allen and Diane Johnson were the co-chairmen. This year’s featured speaker, renowned architect Stan Dixon, charmed the audience with his personal stories and pictures from his […]

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morton Kissick, Jr. of Leawood, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Sue Kissick, to Michael Philip Pappas, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Philip Pappas of Overland Park, Kansas. Katie is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cotton Frederick Smith and Mr. and […]

The 34th annual Strutt With Your Mutt was a fun, furry, and festive way to raise funds to support rescue and care for the homeless animals at Wayside Waifs. The September 29th event featured lots of tail wagging in celebration of the organization’s 80th anniversary! Featured in the November 2, 2024 issue of The Independent

September 7th was the date for the Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “NOVA,” which was held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The opulent evening dazzled guests with performances and the official introduction of the Kansas City Symphony’s new Music Director, Matthias Pintscher. Barbara Haviland led the well-orchestrated evening, and Linda and Paul DeBruce […]

“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 […]