August 28th was the date for The Farmer’s House’s Peace, Love & Happiness Virtual Tour and Auction. Guests sported their favorite groovy attire and gathered at fun watch parties around Our Town. Signature Party hosts included Peaches and David Cunningham, Dr. Michele Kilo and Blake Mathews at Chicken N Pickle, and Suzanne and Alan Zimmerman […]

The Symphony Ball Benefactors’ Party was held on September 9th at the beautiful home of Tennille and Jason Adkins. Guests enjoyed cocktails, delicious cuisine, and wonderful music from the Kansas City Symphony. The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “Stardust,” was held on September 11th. Marylou Turner was the Ball honorary chairman, and Melanie Fenske served as […]

The Kansas City Marriott Downtown was the site for the 3rd Annual Green Tie Gala, which was held on August 14th. This year’s honoree was the late Dan Dykstra. Guests enjoyed cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, and music from Montage. The event was founded by Chuck Cuda in honor of his father, Ben Cuda. […]

The Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Fall Luncheon was held on September 16th at the Hilton President Kansas City. Guild President Peggy Beal, Devon Carney, Kansas City Ballet, and Karen Yungmeyer, Nutcracker Ball co-chairman, shared remarks. Members and guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon and a performance by the KCB II dancers. Devon Carney, Kansas City Ballet […]

September 19th was the date for the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas’ Mothers’ Tea, which was held at Lake Quivira Country Club. The mothers who gathered represented students from 22 area high schools who will be debutantes and escorts at the 71st Community Ball and Cotillion on December 4th. Laurel Thomas […]

Kansas Speedway was the site for The World Series of Barbecue on September 17th and 18th. The event is the American Royal Association’s largest fundraiser, which supports the organization’s mission of impacting youth in agriculture through competitive events, scholarships, and education. Was there a big turnout? We’ll sure say so – 475 open teams, 185 […]

In the Directors of Philanthropy issue, The Independent celebrates the remarkable people in Our Town who donate so much of their time and talents to charitable organizations.    Also featured in the October 2, 2021 Signature Issue    

Members of the Kansas City Ballet Guild, along with Kansas City Ballet dancers and staff members, enjoyed a Kick Off Party to celebrate the Ballet’s 2021-2022 season. The August 29th festivities, which were held at Lidia’s, included remarks by Peggy Beal, Guild president, and Jeffrey J. Bentley and Devon Carney, both with Kansas City Ballet, […]

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) has been chosen as the beneficiary of the Chiefs Charity Game for the next three years. The 2021 game was held on August 27th at Arrowhead Stadium. MOCSA’s mission is to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in […]

Paul Fischer, Ray Kowalik, and Zalman Kohen served as the honorary co-chairmen for the 25th annual Kids Night Out, a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Andy Burczyk was the chairman of the August 13th event, which was held at the Overland Park Convention Center. The fun included cocktails, dinner, […]

Members of the Lyric Opera Circle had a full calendar of fun this summer. Instead of having the organization’s annual Ball this year, two outdoor events and a Spring Luncheon were held. Chaz at The Raphael was the site for a five-course benefactor dinner and wine pairing, with Peggy Beal as the chairman. Karen Yungmeyer […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.  Harris, Blair, Foster, and Rhett Jackson at Mission Hills Country Club’s Fourth of July Celebration   Tommie Busch, Abby Lubischer, and Patrick Busch at the Sporting KC versus Austin FC match   Chelan David and Isabel Salgado at the […]

Wendy and Dean Guillies and Kathleen Boyle Dalen and Jason Dalen served as the co-chairmen for the 2021 Fur Ball, a benefit for Wayside Waifs. The August 7th event featured cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, and a program. Gary Lezak was the emcee, with the assistance of his dogs, Sunny, who is a Wayside alum, […]

Stargazing has always been a favorite pastime for many, and the evening of July 29th was no exception. The gifted and generous Rising Stars of 2021 were honored by The Independent at a soiree at the 1900 Building, complete with recognition, gifts, a lovely buffet, and lots of applause. Luke Deets, Deanna DiSalvo, Jessica James, […]

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was the place for Stems: A Garden Soirée. Anne and Wayne Byrd served as the honorary chairmen. The June 26th event benefited The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park and its support of the Arboretum, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and public arts projects in the City of […]

The Rent Party Kickoff Event for Community LINC was held recently at the lovely home of Christine and Sandy Kemper. The organization is focused on ending homelessness for this generation and the next. Peggy and Terry Dunn, the 2021 Hometown Heroes, were among the guests, as were past honorees, board members, and friends of the […]

Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Reception for the opening of the new JA BizTown on June 10th at the JAKC Youth Learning Lab in the Northwood Shopping Center. JA BizTown immerses students in fourth through sixth grades in a simulated economy where they practice crucial real-world skills and […]

Cristo Rey Kansas City’s 15th Annual Dancing with the Kansas City Stars was held on June 26th. Kathleen Couchonnal and Melissa Skeens were the co-chairmen, and Kristi and Larkin O’Keefe served as the honorary chairmen. Guests enjoyed an all-star dance competition that featured Nick Durand, Phil Glynn, Mike Jackson, Mary Haggerty Kroening, Kate O’Keefe, Julie […]

Bradette Groves and Lisa Tucker were the co-chairmen for Family Health Care’s 10th Anniversary Tacos & Beer on the Boulevard on June 10th. The sold-out event was hosted by Boulevard Brewing Company. Guests enjoyed the musical stylings of DJ Billy Santoro, as well as a silent auction and a raffle. Proceeds support Family Health Care, […]

Deer Creek Golf Club was the site for the Folly Golf Classic, which was held on June 18th. Alex Solorio served as the chairman.       Also featured in the August 7, 2021 issue of The Independent Photo credit: Markline Tournament Photography

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City held its Legacy Invitational on May 24th at Loch Lloyd and June 14th at The National. When not on the links, guests enjoyed a variety of amenities, including hot towel shaves, chair massages, a cigar emporium, and a gift salon, in addition to a gourmet breakfast and hospitality tents […]