The 48th Annual Snow Ball, a benefit for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will be held on January 15th at the Overland Park Convention Center, with guests having the option of attending virtually. Patti and Tom Schugel are the honorary presidents, and Donna and Mark Teahan are serving as this year’s presidents. The annual Kick-off […]

Jackson County CASA held its third annual Cocktails for CASA – A Night of Hope on October 1st at the Pennway Place at Studio Dan Meiners. The jubilant evening (including the CASA-politan signature cocktail) raised funds to support CASA’s mission of providing children who are in the Jackson County family court system due to abuse […]

Jennifer Salva and Logan Weed were the co-chairmen for The Whole Person’s Night of Independence Awards Gala – An Evening in Paris. The event, which was held on September 24th at The Abbott, spotlighted individuals, businesses, and organizations that work to further the mission of The Whole Person to provide independent living services and programming […]

The Kansas City Country Club was the setting for the Jewel Ball Mothers’ Coffees, which were held on September 28th and 29th. Mothers of this year’s Debutantes, Gentlemen of The Jewel Ball, and Escorts enjoyed the fun festivities. Susie Heddens is serving as chairman of The Jewel Ball, to be held on November 27th at […]

The first KidsCare Clinic, the development of PACE KC for older adults, and a new clinic at the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Downtown Community Education Center – these were some of the topics when Jeron Ravin, Swope Health president, spoke on September 23rd. The event was a reception hosted by the organization at the […]

September 18th was the date for the seventh annual Night at the Tower, a benefit for the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The festivities were celebrated as a virtual event, with small groups gathering for a watch party experience. Radha and Ram Shankar and Holly and John Thomson served as co-chairmen. Members of […]

The Johnson County Library Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with its signature event, Library Lets Loose, on September 18th at the Lenexa City Center Library. Popping confetti champagne bottles for the hybrid event were Honorary Hosts Denise and Rick Mills. Proceeds from the evening support lifelong learning library resources. Geoff Allison and Rachel Berbiglia   […]

More than 400 guests gathered at the Kansas City Convention Center on September 11th for the Symphony League of Kansas City’s 39th annual Symphony Ball. This year’s theme was “Stardust,” with a nod to 1920’s America. Marylou Turner was the honorary chairman, and Melanie Fenske served as the chairman. In addition to a performance by […]

Wayside Waifs’ 31st annual Strutt With Your Mutt was held on October 3rd. The celebration of pets and people will benefit abandoned, abused, and homeless animals. Wayside Waifs is creating a more humane Kansas City for both animals and people. Waif Alum Freya was proud of her participation!       Monica Swanson and her […]

December Brammer and Kristal Ronnebaum served as co-chairmen of HappyBottoms’ inaugural Diaper Bowl. More than 400 guests enjoyed delicious sips and bites, live music, silent and live auctions, a reverse raffle, and a rock, paper, scissors tournament. Proceeds help to provide diapers to more than 13,000 children in need. Teresa Winfield, Andrea Babbit, Eddie Hatcher, […]

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 […]