April 15th was the date for Brew for Books, a benefit for The Family Conservancy. The event was held in both virtual and in-person formats. Guests enjoyed a curated beer selection from Martin City Brewing Company and a virtual beer tasting with the company’s co-founder and owner. Musician Ryan Triggs performed, along with his father, […]

Kansas City Ballet’s annual BARRE KC Soiree, which was a virtual event this year, was held on April 17th. Guests enjoyed a party package of wine and delicious desserts and coffee, while one winner received a golden ticket, good for a one-night stay at The Inn at Meadowbrook. Proceeds support 16 Reach Out And Dance […]

The Black Pantry Kansas City has the best tag line – “Kansas City’s Dopest General Store.” Owner Brian Roberts saw the need in 2019 and 2020 for a one-stop-shop for consumers to find products sold by Black-owned and run businesses. “Wouldn’t it be convenient to have one place to shop instead of looking all over […]

A Vietnam veteran himself, he served with the United States Army 1st Air Cavalry Division, Roger Buford was deeply involved in the efforts of the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of service members who have been disabled or lost their lives. Roger, who died in March, had […]

A Cocktail Party and The Meadowbrook Car Show were held recently in support of the Kansas City Auto Museum and The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County. Proceeds from the events will benefit the new Public Art Program of Johnson County Park & Recreation District, and the programs of the Kansas City Auto Museum, […]

April 14th was the date for Jackson County CASA’s Light of Hope Breakfast, which was a virtual event this year. Kelly and Ron Lockton were the honorary chairmen. Debbie Bass was the keynote speaker. Jewish Family Services (JFS) and the Robinson Family were honored with the Light of Hope Award, and Michele Sewell received the […]

April 12th was the date for University of Central Missouri’s President’s Gala, “The Arts are the Future,” which was a virtual event this year. Jeanette Prenger and Debby Ballard were the honorary co-chairmen, with Bryan Busby serving as the emcee. Guests enjoyed performances by students and faculty that were recorded in Helzberg Hall at the […]

Benedictine College’s virtual 2021 Scholarship Ball was a huge success. The event set a record for fundraising, and guests tuned in from across the United States and around the world to watch the fun. The program included performances by the Raven Regiment Marching Band, stories from featured students, and inspiring messages from Benedictine College President […]

A celebration of the remarkable pets of Our Town.  Sponsored by:       Cooper * The Silvey Family   Dobby and Haley Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole Bissey   Captain and Lillie * Lauren Fredrickson and Aaron Schmeltz   Dobby * Haley Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole Bissey   Dobby and Hank Bowman Photo Credit: Nicole […]

HALO’s Virtual ArtReach Auction, “The Main Event,” was held on February 26th. The evening featured the premiere of the HALO documentary short film, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and Special Guest Oprah Winfrey, who interviewed HALO youth, Marjai. Proceeds support the organization’s mission to end childhood homelessness.   Meilene Robinette, Chelsea Tapken, Carly Schultze, […]

The Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Ivy Community Service and Education Foundation hosted the 68th Debutante Ball on February 26th. The theme for the virtual event was “A Celebration of Grandeur and Grace.” Twyla Woods-Buford, the midwestern regional director, gave a special greeting. Kimberlyn Jones choreographed the waltz for the […]

Of course, we are all aware of times when rebranding didn’t work. Coca Cola comes to mind first. The new Coke was the new disaster. No one wanted it, protests happened, surely some jobs were lost, and it finally went away. The Gap rebranded the logo of the clothing retailer during a holiday season… confusion […]

Randy Pope and Walter Porter were the co-chairmen, and Chanie and Tom Mitchell and Drs. Susan and Greg Sweat served as the honorary co-chairmen of The Hands and Hearts Auxiliary of Children’s Mercy’s Red Hot Night, “Virtually Over the Rainbow.” The 17th annual event, a benefit for the new Children’s Mercy Research Institute, was held […]

It’s really quite simple. Homelessness is defined as the lack of permanent housing. That means no roof, no electricity, no running water, no heat, no security, no place to put the keys – because no keys exist. The condition of homelessness has been a challenge throughout Kansas City’s history. The onset of a pandemic has […]

“My story is not unique or unusual. It’s about falling to depths never expected. It’s about all hope being gone,” said Jamie Boyle, CEO and president of Welcome House. Jamie talks the talk and walks the walk, every single day: the walk of sobriety, the walk of redemption, the walk of hope being right around […]

Luke Deets, Vice President, McCownGordon Construction As the leader of McCownGordon Construction’s K-12 market sector, Luke Deets provides client, design, and student-focused solutions for pre-construction and construction services. Luke exemplifies the McCownGordon core values of integrity, relationships, and performance. “Luke is a natural leader, motivator, mentor, and philanthropist,” said Sheri Johnson, McCownGordon. “Through his volunteer […]

The Independent is delighted to share some of the many wonderful philanthropic endeavors from 2020. Kansas City is filled with fabulous volunteers and organizations that stepped up for our community during the pandemic. Join us as we celebrate their hard work and kindness. Kelly Van Allman, Kate Cullinane, and Marcus Rhodes, board member; participated in […]

Sometimes, there is a very thin margin in life.  Often we search for meaning, question our place, or look for guidance in the direction our lives might take. Sometimes the signs are small – almost undetectable. And, other times we literally get knocked off of our feet by a message where immediate heed must be […]

Back in the 1920s, The Independent recorded the lament of a world-weary kindergartener who said she just had no idea who she would wed when she grew up – most of the men she knew seemed to be married already. We understand her feelings completely. Here we sit, reading of Valentine’s Days past, and leaving […]

November 12th was the date for The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Kansas City Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration virtual program. Honorees were congratulated for work done in their respective fields of non-profit fundraising. Included in the event were the following awards: Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual given to Marylou Turner and nominated by the […]

November 1st was the date for Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC’s 2020 Human Relations Event, “Pursuing Justice Standing Together,” which was held via private broadcast. The evening featured the presentation of the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award to Debbie Sosland-Edelman, as well as a roundtable discussion and thought-provoking conversations. Michael Abrams, Merilyn Berenbom, Margi Pence, […]