February 18th was the date for Miles of Smiles’ VIP Kick-off Reception for Brush Up On Fashion at the beautiful home of Shirley Pryor. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and a special shopping event with Meierotto Jewelers. Susan Hiland is serving as chairman of the third annual luncheon and fashion show on April 8th at […]

February 25th was the date for Friends of University Academy’s Documentary Screening  of An American Ascent for friends and supporters at Alamo Drafthouse. Guests enjoyed a private screening of the film, a panel discussion and an opportunity to meet one of the climbers, Rosemary Saal, as well as Andy Adkins, co-producer; and James Mills, author […]

Cabaret, a benefit for Rose Brooks Center, was held on February 28th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Jennifer Gille Bacon and Bud Bacon were chairmen of the 29th annual event that featured entertainment by the legendary Neil Sedaka. Proceeds support the critical work Rose Brooks Center does in Our Town to […]

On May 7th, join the Kansas City Museum as they honor the Long’s love of horses and Loula Long Combs’ equestrian legacy at The Derby Party. On the Museum’s historic grounds, enjoy music by The Grisly Hand band, southern food created by the Local Pig, southern cocktails made with local Kansas City distillery labels, yard […]

The new 1900 Building Event Space was the perfect setting for The Independent’s Top Ten Party on February 18th. The Top Ten Events of 2015 and The Independent’s 2016 Class of Rising Stars were announced. Each Rising Star was presented with a custom Lindsey Nichols print of Our Town. Partygoers savored delicious fare from Lon […]

January 30th was the date for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenge Your Fashion event at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Rex Hudler and Steven St. John served as emcees. Proceeds support the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenger adaptive program for kids with diverse abilities. Rex Hudler had a […]

Sara Colt and Susan Morris were honorary co-chairmen of the 11th annual Girls’ Night In: A Heartfelt Evening of Storytelling on February 9th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Proceeds support the Adelaide C. Ward Women’s Heart Health Center at The University of Kansas Hospital and Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing. Leslie […]

The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences recently hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its newly renovated Administration Building that served as the kick-off event for the 2016 Centennial Celebration. Originally home to the first Children’s Mercy Hospital, the 100-year old building was purchased by KCU Alumni Association in 1971 and now features artwork […]

Excitement was at an all time high for the announcement of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mid-America Chapter’s 2016 Man & Woman of the Year candidates. A Kick-Off Party was held on March 3rd at AMC Entertainment. For the next 10 weeks, the candidates will raise funds to reach their goal of collecting more than […]

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the keynote speaker for the WIN for KC Women’s Sports Awards Celebration. Local female high school state champions and six outstanding award winners were recognized at the February 4th event at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Dr. Greg Canty, Children’s Mercy Vlatko Andoonovski, Huw Williams, Jen […]

Ticket to the World – 2016 Barstow Auction, a benefit for The Barstow School Annual Fund, was held on February 20th at The Ritz Charles. Parents, alumni and friends enjoyed silent and live auctions, music and dinner in a vintage airline. Susie Caisley, Kris Carlgren and Amy Graham served as co-chairmen. Sharon McDonald and Tara […]

Jennifer Howerton was the chairman of The Young Friends of Art’s Party Arty: Coloring Outside the Lines on January 23rd at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. More than 1,400 guests enjoyed cocktails, delicious fare and spectacular entertainment. Damian Lair and Leah Vomhof, co-chairman Godfrey Riddle, Erinn Faulconer, Brent Kimmi, and Shannon Rolle Lucia Aerial Performing […]

More than 200 guests celebrated at The Independent’s Top Ten Party on February 16th at the beautiful 1900 Building. Our Town’s deep commitment to philanthropy was on display as the Top Ten Events of 2016 and The Independent’s 2017 Class of Rising Stars were announced. The Top Ten Events of 2016 10. Jewish Community Center […]

Bonne Illig, Kim Stevens, Debbie Douville, Lenise Ward, Ashlee Bressel, and Lauren Hunt, all with VanBrock; served as co-chairmen of KVC Health Systems’ The Gala on Fire on November 21st at the historic Firestone Building. Guests enjoyed performances by MoonDrop Circus and Atlantic Express. Renny Arensberg, Julie Burdick, Michelle Lawrence, and Lauren Anderson Haley Harlan, […]

On December 15th, Kansas City Ballet Guild members gathered for the Nutcracker Luncheon at Hallbrook Country Club. Guests enjoyed Nutcracker centerpieces, delectable bites and a performance by the KCBII and KCB trainee dancers. Gigi Rose, executive guild member; was the host. Susan Bubb, Susan Sands and Melinda Petet Lisa Schubert Hickok The dancers performed for […]

Ozanam’s 32nd annual Hollywood Holiday Gala was held on December 3rd at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, and remarks from United States Army First Sergeant Mark Haliburton, who discussed his inspiring experience at Ozanam as a young boy. Andrea and David Leavitt […]

November 23rd was the date for Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Renovation Campaign Donor Dinner to celebrate the grand reopening of Spencer Theatre. Dinner guests enjoyed a lavish meal by Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions in the newly constructed Spencer Donor Lounge. The event was followed by a special reception and Community Open House on November 30th. Jean […]

On December 16th, committee members gathered to address invitations for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s gala, Create the Night…Masterpiece, which will be held on February 20th at the Museum. The black-tie affair will highlight the opening of the Museum’s exhibit, Reflecting Class in the Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Joan and Alan Marsh and The […]

The Independent hosted a Holiday Soirée on December 10th and 11th. Guests enjoyed fabulous shopping from local vendors, tasty treats and holiday cheer. Local charities dropped business cards into a hat for the chance to win a portion of the sales. The lucky winners were Phoenix Family and Variety Children’s Charity. A great time was […]

The Woodworth Family were the honorary chairmen, and Julie and Rob Heise served as chairmen of the United For Kids Gala, “A New Dimension of Hope.” The November 6th event was held at the Overland Park Convention Center and benefited KidsTLC. Brian Mattis, Max Miller, Claire Tunakan, Jon and Sharon Tunakan, Mary Tunakan, Elise Tunakan, […]

November 13th was The March of Dimes’ Nurse of the Year Awards at the Overland Park Sheraton. Tammy Peterman, The University of Kansas Hospital; served as chairman. Awards were presented to 22 exceptional nurses from a variety of practice settings. Chairman Tammy Peterman, Thomas Button, Truman Medical Center, Quality Management Nurse of the Year; and […]