A reception took place on January 14th at the Kansas City Art Institute’s H&R Block Artspace, honoring KCAI Interim President Tony Jones and his wife, the acclaimed photographer Patty Carroll.  Faye Davis, Josh Rowland, Marc Wilson, and Michael Davis Wilbur Niewald, Ann Holliday, Diane Burnette, and Dennis Strait Tony Jones, KCAI; addressed the guests.  Also […]

The beautiful home of Linda and Gene Hall was the setting for The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra’s Annual Meeting. Steve Irwin, Kansas City Jazz Orchestra; announced the theme of the May 9th Gala, “Rhapsody In Blue – The Music and Lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin.” Don Hall is the honorary chairman, and Edith and […]

The Independent extends our warmest congratulations to Our Town’s non profits, their honorary chairmen, chairmen, committee members, and volunteers for another successful year of philanthropy in Kansas City. Thank you for helping to make Kansas City a community full of care and compassion! This weekend’s issue will feature the Top Ten Events of 2014 and the 2015 […]

January 30th was the date for the Presidents’ Dinner at The Kansas City Club. Past Presidents of the University Club and The Kansas City Club, members and guests honored Bryan Flanagan, outgoing president; and welcomed Adam Walker, incoming president. The festive group enjoyed piano entertainment by Carl Bolte and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef […]

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial held its Annual Luncheon on January 23rd. Special Guest General (Ret.) Peter Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed members of the Museum’s Business Roundtable. General Pace, the first Marine to hold the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shared […]

December 16th was the date for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Luncheon at The Kansas City Country Club. Members were delighted by the whimsical Nutcrackers that were used as decorations around the room and adorned as centerpieces on the tables. The festive afternoon was complete with beautiful gingerbread cookies and great friends.  Bev Evans, […]

The evening of 12-13-14 was an extraordinary one at Mission Hills Country Club. Members celebrated the Club’s 100th Anniversary at the Centennial Gala and enjoyed dinner, drinks and mingling into the night. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Massman, Mr. and Mrs. David Staker, Mr. and Mrs. James Stowers, and Mr. and Mrs. John McClelland (Clockwise from […]

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner was held at the Kansas City Convention Center. Daymond John, a regular on Shark Tank; was the keynote speaker. Outgoing Board Chairman Roshann Parris and Incoming Board Chairman Terry Dunn were honored, and University of Missouri – Kansas City Chancellor Leo Morton was named the Kansas […]

December 6th was the date for the Young Advisory Board of The Children’s Place’s fourth annual Suspenders & Stilettos at Pennway Place. The event was a benefit for The Children’s Place, and guests enjoyed a wine wall and live entertainment from The Magnetics. Also featured in the January 24th issue of The Independent Photo Credit: […]

December 4th was the date for the Kansas City Art Institute’s Patron Preview. The event was held the evening prior to the public opening of the end-of-semester exhibition and sale. Guests visited studio departments throughout the campus, viewed student artwork of all kinds and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.  Also featured in the January 26th issue […]

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial was the site for a reception and special screening of Unbroken on December 16th. Guests enjoyed a preview screening of the film, auction items including a copy of the Unbroken book that was signed by Louie Zamperini and a reception and tour of the Museum with […]

December 18th was the date for Unbound’s inaugural event, An Unbound Experience. Beth and John Manley were the honorary chairmen, and Elizabeth Alex served as the emcee. Also featured in the January 24th issue of The Independent  Ron and Kathy Roux with Jennifer Siebes, Unbound David and Diane Hentges, Marty and Bill Porter and Tharon […]

Nearly 800 guests gathered at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center for Ozanam’s 31st annual Hollywood Holiday Gala on December 4th. After a lovely dinner, everyone enjoyed a video and a performance by the Ozanam cheerleaders. Larry Moore, who has served as the emcee for the last 31 years, kicked off the live […]

KVC Health Systems’ The Gala on Fire was held at the historic Firestone Building. Bonne Illig, Kim Stevens, Debbie Douville, Kristina Klug, Lenise Ward, Ashlee Bressel, and Jenni Howard, all with VanBrock; served as the co-chairmen of the November 21st event.   Also featured in the January 24th issue of The Independent Photo Credit: David […]

Vicki Novorr and James Klein were the co-chairmen of the sixth annual Ages of Excellence, a benefit for Village Shalom, on November 20th at the Overland Park Convention Center. Rick Reilly was the featured speaker, and the Stephen J. Schoenfeld Volunteer Recognition Award was presented to the staff of Village Shalom for their exemplary actions […]

The Johnson County Community College Foundation held its annual Some Enchanted Evening scholarship gala on November 8th at the Overland Park Marriott. Mary Birch was the chairman, and Bryan Biggs served as the corporate sponsor chairman. The Johnson Countian of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Gary Morsch, president and founder of Heart to […]

November 18th was the date for Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Inside Pediatrics Premiere Party at Starlight Theatre. Inside Pediatrics is a six-part documentary narrated by Paul Rudd that featured the inspiring stories of 28 families at Children’s Mercy Hospital. More than 400 guests enjoyed a panel discussion moderated by Lara Moritz and Len Jennings with physicians […]

November 7th was the date for the March of Dimes’ Nurse of the Year Awards gala at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Awards were presented to exceptional nurses from a variety of settings. Dean Karen Miller, The University of Kansas School of Nursing; was the honorary chairman, and Tammy Peterman, The University of […]

Barbara P. Allen and David Wysong were the honorary co-chairmen, and Colleen and Joe Euteneuer served as the chairmen of The Women’s Foundation’s 22nd Annual Luncheon. More than 1,400 guests attended the sold-out event on December 5th that featured former United States Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine K. Albright as the keynote speaker at the […]

The Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball was held on December 6th at Union Station Kansas City. Kris Marriott Calovich was the chairman of the 20th annual that featured the Kansas City Youth Ballet performing excerpts from The Nutcracker, holiday carols sung by the Ginger Frost High School Honors Artists, magicians, face painting, photos with the […]

Indian Hills Country Club was the beautiful setting for The Symphony League’s Holiday Party on December 11th. Anne Elsberry passed the president’s gavel to Sandy Jackson, and Pamela Fleischer presented a check for $700,000 to Frank Byrne, the Kansas City Symphony; for the proceeds from the 2014 Symphony Ball. Shirley Helzberg received the Symphony League’s […]