Members of the BOTAR Class of 2023 gathered at Margaux Blackwell’s beautiful home for the BOTAR Reveal event on August 24th. They had a great time – and left knowing who their escorts would be. Margaux served as an event co-chairman, along with Lauren Sotos. The BOTAR Ball will be held on October 28th at […]

In Wyandotte County, a fresh era of development within the Latinx community is on the horizon. Dedicated community leader, Irene Caudillo, has recently assumed the role of Chief of Staff to Mayor Tyrone A. Garner within the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. With a decades-long track record of affecting change among the Latinx population, Irene’s […]

Guadalupe Centers occupies a unique place in the Kansas City landscape. They are the only dual language early childhood education center in the area, the only Charter School serving the Latino community, and the only bilingual Financial Opportunity Center in the metro. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the […]

Pathway To Hope’s annual Donor Appreciation Event was held recently in The Argyle Room at Children’s Mercy Park. Donors and volunteers enjoyed meeting Tara Adler, the organization’s new executive director. In addition to celebrating, details were shared regarding the upcoming gala, Night of Hope, on October 21st.    Featured in the September 16, 2023 issue […]

For 25 years, Tom Watson’s Day For Kids Golf Tournament has raised funds to ensure that young people have the opportunity to learn to play – and love – golf. On August 28th, First Tee Greater Kansas City hosted the event, which was held at Loch Lloyd Country Club. A VIP breakfast, Tom Watson Clinic, […]

The Gallery Event Space was the site for Awesome Ambitions’ Purse-onality 2023. The festive event featured two fashion shows, a brunch, and entertainment from Eboni Fondren. Awesome Ambitions girls modeled purses on the runway and mentioned positive character traits that they always carry with them, just like purses. The event chair, Fahteema Parrish, orchestrated a […]

Missy Schaffer’s lovely home was the site for the BOTAR Mothers’ Dessert on June 22nd. Excitement was in the air for The BOTAR Ball, which will be held on October 28th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.           Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent. […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.                               Additional photos featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was the site for Stems: A Garden Soirée. Janet Long served as the honorary chair for the event, a benefit for The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, which was held on June 24th. Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the new visitor center, LongHouse, plus cocktails […]

October 1st is the date for Powell Gardens’ annual Under a Harvest Moon. The festive evening will be held at The Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens. Susan Ambler Spencer is the event chair, and Courtney Earnest is being honored posthumously as the honorary chair. Guests at the festive soiree will enjoy an evening of cocktails, […]

You already know that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, but did you know that he started the Humble Beginnings Foundation this year? Legends Field was the site for the first annual Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game, featuring Marquez and his teammates, which was held on June 9th. Proceeds are […]

Mrs. Grant Matthew Wilkerson (Nancy Freeman Wilkerson) is serving as the 2023 BOTAR president, and she is the epitome of what a family tradition looks like. There have been myriad family members involved in the BOTAR organization, as well as the American Royal through the years, and this is the natural culmination of that familial […]

Jazzoo, a benefit for the Kansas City Zoo, was on June 2nd. The co-chairmen were Hayley Hanson, Todd McGuire, and Maurice Watson. Guests enjoyed strolling the grounds and sampling tasty treats from more than 50 restaurants and caterers. The festivities included live bands, dueling pianos, DJs, dancers, and aerial performers.            […]

Jewish Family Services’ Birthday Bash celebrated the organization’s 120th anniversary with festivities that included family-friendly activities, hands-on service projects, and a birthday-themed food drive, in addition to a birthday party. The icing on the cake? An interactive performance with Lisa Loeb, the Grammy Award winner! Jenny Isenberg served as the chair. JFS provides essential services […]

Fais Do-Do – Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez was the theme for a Jewel Ball party at the Alexander Majors Barn on June 10th. Hosts for the event were Katherine Hamilton, Abby Himmelstein, Calin Lane, Mary Lauren Mason, Annalie Polen, Caroline Thrun, Lauren Tinsman, John Benson, Henry Fountain, Jack Miceli, and Tommy Moreland. Guests enjoyed […]

Jackson County CASA’s 18th annual Carnival for CASA was held recently at Faulkner’s Ranch. Among the guests were more than 200 children who have participated in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and their caregivers. The fun included lunch, the Jumbo Jumper, the ZipLine, and the cornhole cannon. There was quite a variety of animals in […]

The annual BOTAR Night at the Royal was celebrated in Cinco de Mayo style this year! The May 5th event was held at The American Royal. The festivities included a ProRodeo, in addition to crafts, dinner, and beverages to delight all involved.   Featured in the August 5, 2023 issue of The Independent.  Photo credit: […]

Anne Potter Russ (Mrs. Norbert Russ) was the chairman for The Jewel Ball, a benefit for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Symphony. The event was held on June 17th at the Museum. Joan Knight Marsh (Mrs. Alan Reid Marsh) was the honorary chairman, and Holly Barnes Milledge (Mrs. Droste DeForest Milledge, […]

Shadow Glen Golf Course was the site for the KidsTLC Open on June 5th. Games and refreshments, including a champagne wall and wine slushies, were part of the festivities. This year’s winners, Zach Myers, Ron Shaver, and Rob Heise, received green jackets and a trophy. John Holt, Dennis Kadel, Andy McDonald, and Michael Lauf won […]

Truman Library Institute’s 24th annual Wild About Harry was held on April 20th. More than 1,000 guests gathered in-person and live streamed the event. Leigh and Tyler Nottberg were the event chairs, and Ursula Terrasi and Jim Miller served as the honorary chairs. Featured guests of the evening were Keynote Speaker Doris Kearns Goodwin, author […]

The first weekend in June was a busy time at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden at Jacob L. Loose Park! On June 4th, the Kansas City Rose Society hosted its annual Rose Day. Taylor Smith was the event chair. Guests at the free event enjoyed performances by Bach Aria Soloists and Heart of  […]