Color, language, heritage, place, and time – they all mean something in the life of a child. They mean even more to a child with a Hispanic/Latinx background and language who happens to be in a school system in the middle of the United States. If the child is the center of the wheel, then […]

August 18th was the date for Kansas City Ballet’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which celebrated the official opening of its South Campus at Meadowbrook location for its School. The completely reimagined space now faces 95th Street and has doubled from two to four state-of-the-art dance studios. Class offerings have been expanded for all ages and levels […]

The Chiefs Charity Game, which was held on August 26th, continues a long-standing commitment of supporting the local community. The annual event, created by Lamar Hunt and continued by the Hunt family, was first held in 1985. This year’s beneficiary was MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). MOCSA has been the beneficiary for three […]

The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) was founded in 1983 by Tony Salazar. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of Latino families in Greater Kansas City by engaging the Latino community in philanthropy to build stronger communities through grantmaking and scholarship support. HDF acts in four ways: 1) increasing philanthropy […]

The Johnson County Museum was the site for The New Theatre Scholarship Guild’s annual event, which featured a “1940s Canteen Jazz Party” theme. Caryn Hastings served as the chairman. Partygoers enjoyed a nostalgic experience of the USO-World War II era, complete with 1940’s food, culture, and decor, in addition to great entertainment from the Brad […]

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 […]