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. Jerry Pickman is the vice president of philanthropy operations for Mosaic Life Care Foundation. “I am responsible for implementing a unified and comprehensive fund development […]

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.  Francie Knackendoffel is a senior technical recruiter at ECCO Select. […]

As the year wraps up and we cross our fingers that our gifts will arrive on time, I am continuing the tradition I started several years ago of sharing my top books for 2021. I hope you find something new or see that one of your favorites made my list! Fiction What Strange Paradise by […]

The members of the Crestwood Women’s Network served as the honorary co-chairmen of the 17th annual Night Out with MOCSA. Heather Bortnick and Libby Henry were the co-chairmen for the event, which was held on October 23rd at The LEX in Municipal Auditorium. Speakers, auction items, art, music, and cocktails made for a memorable occasion. […]

Lyric Opera Circle members and guests gathered at Loews Kansas City Hotel on October 25th to kick off the planning of the 2022 Lyric Opera Ball, “Una Notte a Roma.” The lucky attendees were treated to Italian operatic performances by Lyric Opera of Kansas City Resident Artists during the cocktail reception. Gigi Rose is serving […]

The Kansas City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is on stage this month at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, with music by the Kansas City Symphony. This year, Madeleine Mullin and Elise Pickert are both performing the role of Clara. Madeleine’s mother, Laura Mullin, and Elise’s mother, Kate Pickert, are both members of […]

The Jewel Ball Chairmen’s Coffee was held on September 30th at The Kansas City Country Club. Susie Heddens served as chairman of The Jewel Ball, which was held on November 27th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.           Read more from the December 11, 2021 issue of The Independent Photo Credit: […]

Beat the Blues 2022, a benefit for Sherwood Autism Center, will be held on January 29th at The Abbott. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and a program. Katie Lord and Julie Steenson are serving as the co-chairmen. Proceeds will support Sherwood Autism Center’s mission to educate, equip, and empower […]

The death on August 18th of Maria Magdalena Habsburg von Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, Baroness Holzhausen closes the chapter on the story of four members of the royal family of Romania who formed strong, though unlikely, connections to Kansas City. Magi was a member of the class of 1957 at Notre Dame de Sion. Her […]