More than 350 guests gathered on September 22nd for First Call’s 10th annual Celebration Evening. Laura and Chris Vernaci served as the event chairs. Chef Gregory Gourdet, guest speaker; shared his story of recovery and hope with Lara Moritz and the audience. Guests enjoyed dinner, a live auction, and a client testimonial. Proceeds support the […]

Indian Hills Country Club was the site for Kansas City Ballet Guild’s annual Fall Luncheon, which was held on September 8th. President Melissa Ford greeted the guests, who were treated to a beautiful preview of the upcoming season by members of the Kansas City Ballet Second Company.       Featured in the October 29, […]

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was the site for The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “Royal Gala – Let’s Have a Ball.” Marny and John Sherman were the Ball honorary chairs, and Sue Ann Fagerberg and Ursula Terrasi served as the Ball co-chairs of the September 10th event. The sold-out evening honored Our Town’s […]

On September 30th, BOTARs and escorts of the Class of 2022 gathered with BOTAR members for a delightful time at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. The Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown was the site for The BOTAR Ball, which was held on October 15th. Amy Polen is this year’s BOTAR […]

The Symphony Ball “Royal Gala” Benefactors’ Party was held on August 28th at The Capital Grille on the Country Club Plaza. Partygoers enjoyed “home-run” cocktails and culinary delights. The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball, “Royal Gala,” was held on September 10th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Marny and John Sherman were the Ball […]

The 4th Annual Green Tie Gala, hosted by the OPES Charitable Foundation, was held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown on August 20th. Chris Frantze served as the event chair, and Chuck Cuda is the organization’s founder. Dave Frantze was the Green Tie Honored Survivor. The evening’s festivities included a gourmet dinner, a performance by […]

The Lyric Opera Circle celebrated the start of its 35th year on September 7th with a luncheon at the Carriage Club. Circle President Mary Beth Gentry recognized Founder Judy King and Charter Members Sharon Murray, Virginia Long, and Emilia Barksdale. Juliette Singer Spinks and Edie Downing, who are serving as the 2023 Lyric Opera Ball […]

Reassembly Day Tea was held on September 12th for the members of the Kansas City Young Matrons. Joni Siplon, the president, welcomed everyone to the event, which included both brunch and a business meeting. Julie Maggart, past president, was thanked, and Bobbie Messick was honored for her hours as a volunteer. A highlight was the […]

August 27th was the date for the BOTAR Presidents’ Tea, which  took place at The Kansas City Country Club. Past presidents were introduced to the BOTAR Class of 2022 and Pages. A fashion show of historic gowns, followed by the unveiling of this year’s selection, was part of the festivities. The BOTAR Ball will be […]

Lidia’s was the site for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Annual Kick-off Party on August 21st. Angela Moore, Lisa Sirridge, and Susan Sands were the hosts. Guild President Melissa Ford welcomed the guests, and then Devon Carney, the Ballet’s artistic director spoke about the exciting upcoming performances.  Featured in the October 15, 2022 issue of […]

Susie and Chuck Caisley served as the chairmen of Jazzoo. More than 2,800 guests gathered for the gala, which was recently held at the Kansas City Zoo. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, delicious fare from 50 restaurants, music from six local bands and DJs, and entertainment from Kansas City Aerial Arts.. Proceeds help to provide food and […]

Lake Quivira Country Club was the site for the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas’ Mothers’ Tea on September 18th. The event was for the mothers of the debutantes and escorts who will be participating in the 72nd Annual Community Ball and Cotillion, to be held on December 3rd. The honorees are […]

On August 25th, members of the BOTAR Class of 2022 gathered for the BOTAR Reveal. Miniature bottles of wine served as place cards at the festive event, which was held at the lovely home of Courtney O’Farrell. Each BOTAR had the same question: “Who will my escort be?” By the time the evening was over, […]

The beneficiary of this year’s Chiefs Charity Game was MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). August 20th was the date, and Arrowhead Stadium (where else?) was the place. The annual event, created by Lamar Hunt and continued by the Hunt family, was first held in 1985. Proceeds are earmarked to assist MOCSA in expanding […]

Pathway To Hope’s annual Donor Appreciation Event, “A Taste Of Wellness,” was held on August 14th at Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Pathway To Hope was founded in 1988 by Sharon and Dick Lawrenz, who struggled with a mental health diagnosis of a family member. The organization is committed to encourage, empower, and educate individuals […]

Loews Kansas City Hotel was the site for the Arthritis Foundation’s 19th annual Art for Arthritis event, which was held on July 15th. Guests were delighted by the custom artwork that was created by child artists and their mentors. Partygoers enjoyed delicious fare and a silent auction. Foundation Board Chair Melissa DeLeon served as the […]

“Vitality & Vice” was the theme of this year’s triumphant return of Party Arty, to benefit The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Co-chairs Kelly Hollowell and Maria O’Connor, and Vice Co-chairs Morgan Stockton and Susanne Watson produced a spectacular evening, complete with drinks, delectable fare, and entertainment. Inspired by the Museum’s American Art Deco: Designing for […]

Awesome Ambitions’ 25th Anniversary Celebration was held on July 21st at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Gem Theatre. Debby Ballard and Tammy Edwards served as co-chairs of the beautiful affair, and Lisa Ginter and India Boulton were the honorary co-chairs. The event celebrated 25 years of providing mentorship and sustainable services to girls […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.                                          

Guests had the opportunity to view the construction of LongHouse, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ new visitor center when the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park hosted Stems: A Garden Soirée at the Arboretum on June 25th. Everyone enjoyed sampling wines (in signature hand-painted wineglasses!) and delicious fare from local restaurants. The […]

July 8th was the date for Band of Angels’ Art That Blows event, which was held at The Abbott. Partygoers enjoyed great music, a unique atmosphere, and the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind art pieces, which were all made from recycled music instruments.     Featured in the August 20, 2022 issue of The Independent. […]