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 […]

June 7th was the date for the C&C Group Alphapointe Pro-Am, which was held at Loch Lloyd Country Club. More than 100 golfers from around the country participated in the event. Proceeds are earmarked for youth programming at the organization, which offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Also featured […]

The KidsTLC Open was held on June 7th at Shadow Glen Golf Course. Libations and food stations, along with games, added to everyone’s enjoyment of the day. KidsTLC provides services for children who are facing challenges with mental and behavioral health, developmental trauma, and autism.   Kristen Tyson, Lauren Roberts, Matt Mayer, and Dan Novascone, event […]

This marks the 18th year for Hats Off for Mothers, which was held on May 27th at the Boulevard Drive-In. The fun festivities featured a ‘50s theme and a parade of convertibles with the honorees. Ellen Merriman served as chairman, and John Holt was the host. The honorees, who were chosen for their ability to […]

May 20th was the date for Kansas City Young Matrons’ New Member Luncheon, which was held at the clubhouse. Two classes of new members were recognized at the event. New Member Class of 2021-22 Jacqueline King, Tina Bender, Shari Olander, Debra Nichols, Jan Morgan, Edie Downing, new member chairman; Maureen Lillard, new member advisor; Jenny […]

The Children’s Place’s Patio Party was held on May 15th. Mindy and Meyer Sosland were the honorary chairmen, and Katie McCune and Carrie McLiney served as the co-chairmen. Hundreds of guests gathered at more than 35 patio parties around Our Town to watch the livestreamed event, which featured a mission-filled program and silent and live […]

Lake Quivira Country Club was the site for the 40th Annual Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic. More than 200 golfers hit the links on May 10th to support Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ summer food initiatives. Ernie Straub, Tony Winslow, Baile Stephenson, and Zac Clark   (Front row) Leslie Zarda, Scott Sayler, Bernie […]

May 17th was the date for AdventHealth Foundation Shawnee Mission and Charlie Hustle’s Heart of KC Foundation’s Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which was held at Blue Hills Country Club. Twenty-one corporate teams sponsored the PGA Tour-sanctioned event on the Korn Ferry Tour. Proceeds support both foundations. Also featured in the June 26, 2021 issue of […]

Happy 137th birthday to Harry S. Truman! The celebration at the 22nd annual Wild About Harry gala raised funds to support educational outreach and programming at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, and assist with the Institute’s efforts to install a statue of President Truman in the United States Capitol’s National Statuary Hall. […]

May 7th was the date for Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault’s (MOCSA) Community Luncheon, which was a virtual event this year. Guests gathered at watch parties in Our Town and enjoyed remarks from Keynote Speaker Trish Mitchell, a published author, entrepreneur, and a MOCSA board member and Speakers Bureau volunteer. Polly Kramer and Nola […]

The Kansas City Young Matrons clubhouse was the site for the Installation Day Tea, which was held on May 3rd. Julie Maggart is the incoming president, Anne Keil is the outgoing president, and Joni Siplon is the president-elect. Jill Hartman, Kristy Frazier, Kathy Teahan, Patti Paisner, and Jo Anne Dondlinger   Julie Maggart, incoming president, […]

May 13th was the date for Kansas City Ballet Guild’s annual Spring Luncheon. Carol Marr and Jo Anne Dondlinger planned the festive event, which was held at the Carriage Club. Guild President Juliette Singer Spinks welcomed the guests, and Jeffrey J. Bentley and Devon Carney, both with Kansas City Ballet, gave an update on the […]