We’ll Take Manhattan The Shawnee Mission Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club took its 54th Annual New York Theatre Tour in October. The group stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and enjoyed a tour of NBC and four Broadway shows. Other activities included sightseeing, shopping and fine dining. Nearly half of the members continued to venture […]

The 15th Annual United for Kids Gala was held on October 21st at the Overland Park Convention Center. Guests enjoyed a safari-themed evening to help benefit KidsTLC. Linda Rumsey was the chairman, and Christia and Dustin Colquitt and Jeanne and Larry Gates served as the honorary co-chairmen. Also featured in the January 21st issue of […]

On December 9th and 10th, local reenactors portrayed the Wornall family and other 19th-century residents of Our Town during the annual Christmas Candlelight event. Proceeds supported the John Wornall House and the Alexander Majors House Museums. Also featured in the January 21st issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Emily Sloan Local reenactors portrayed the 18th century […]

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary held its annual Membership Tea on December 7th at the lovely home of Mary Tikwart. Guests enjoyed wonderful fare and great conversation and an inspiring message from Major Sharon Smith. Also featured in the January 21st issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Salvation Army Madeline Wrobley and Phyllis Dunn Cynthia […]

Music from Lost Wax filled the Hobbs Building on December 3rd as guests filed through the doors in suspenders, sparkly dresses and high heels at Suspenders & Stilettos. After dining on hors d’oeuvres and sipping a white cranberry cosmo (or two), guests hit the dance floor. The event, hosted by The Young Advisory Board for […]

The Whole Person presented the Celebration Awards Luncheon on August 19th at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel. The Luncheon honored Jeff Stockham, Wallgreens; Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Jean Bailey Smith and Assurant Employee Benefits. The Whole Person’s mission is to assist people with disabilities to live independently. Debbie Palermo served as the chairman. Also featured in the […]

Dressed in 60s–style maxi dresses and tie dye, The Jewel Ball debutantes and their escorts had a groovy time at Studio Dan Meiners on June 5th. Guests at Deb-A-Go-Go enjoyed mingling and noshing on fabulous treats from Delish.  Hosts Caitlin Benson, Maggie Dunn, Caroline Farchmin, Maggie Ingram, Ericka Schubert, Sarah Sears, and Caroline Thompson and crew boogied to the […]

The Fourth Annual Benefit honoring the memory of Cliff Bath was held at Starkers Restaurant on June 2nd.  Cliff was the owner of Starkers for more than 30 years.  The event was a benefit for The Cliff Bath Scholarship Fund for Excellence in Restaurant Hospitality, which is administered through the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.  Lauren Coleman, Katherine Keeling and […]

The 10th anniversary Heartstrings in Bloom, a dinner, dance and auction, was held on April 30th at Indian Hills Country Club.  The evening featured a silent and Fund-A-Need auctions, the jazz stylings of the Jose Samoya Trio, a delicious dinner, a raffle, and a video chronicling the lives of three Heartstrings employees and their families.  The Key to Independence […]

Big doings at the Kansas City Club!  On April 20th, the Club presented a KC Club Conversation with Nick Haines, host of the television show Kansas City Week in Review; and Steve Kraske, a commentator on the show.  The Luncheon was one of a monthly series that provides an opportunity for members and guests to interact with […]

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary held its annual Spring Luncheon on May 18th at Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club.  Pat Trammell, Auxiliary member; received the Award of Honor for her dedication and service to others. Also featured in the July 9th issue of The Independent magazine Photo Credit: Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Major Sharon Smith, Salvation Army; Pat Trammell, […]

Jewel Ball floor committee members and escorts gathered for Lunch and Labor at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City on June 4th.  Guests took tours of two Ronald McDonald Houses and heard talks by Holly Buckendahl, Angie LaRose Witt and Megan Harding, all with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.  After a Mexican buffet, the […]

Casino Royale, a party for Jewel Ball debutantes, floor committee members and escorts was held on June 3rd at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza.  Guests enjoyed a buffet supper of salad, pasta, sliders, and a delicious dessert.  After that, the casino opened – and the games of blackjack, roulette and craps began!  A photo booth replete […]

The 27th Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon was held on May 13th at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel.  Richard Carrothers and Dennis Hennessy were the honorary co-chairmen, and Heather Jean-Paul Wong served as the chairmen.  Mary and Alan Atterbury were honored as Philanthropists of the Year.  Katie and Clyde Wendel were acclaimed as Volunteers of the Year.  […]

The second annual Slammin’ & Jammin’ for Genesis was held on May 13th at the Carriage Club.  Joanne and John Bluford served as the honorary chairmen.  Mayor Sly James was honored for his years of service as board president.  The tennis-inspired event featured a cocktail party, dinner and auctions.  The next day, guests returned to watch a tennis […]

The Fourth Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Gala was held on May 7th at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza.  The event was a benefit for The Mission Project, which helps adults with developmental or cognitive disabilities to live independently and safely in the community with minimal support.  Guests enjoyed a silent auction, “betting” […]

Richard Carrothers and Dennis Hennessy, who shared the 2009 Business Philanthropist of the Year Award for the New Theatre Restaurant, served as the honorary co-chairmen of Nonprofit Connect‘s 27th Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon.  They were the hosts of the Patrons’ Party, which was held at Dogwood, their 40-acre nature reserve in Lenexa, on May 9th.  The Luncheon took […]

On April 8th, the musicians of Summerfest Concerts performed a free evening of chamber music at Atonement Lutheran Church.  The group began its concerts in 1990.  Summerfest Concerts will hold its main concert series in July. Also featured in the May 28th issue of The Independent magazine Photo Credit: Larry F. Levenson Shannon Finney, flutist; Lisa Schubert Hickok, Summerfest; […]

Jeanne Hamilton Olofson was honored with a doctor of humane letters degree at Avila University’s graduation ceremony. The event was held on May 14th at the Independence Event Center. Jeanne holds both a bachelor of arts degree in communication and a master’s degree in business administration from Avila. Her gift made possible the Jeanne Hamilton […]

The New Theatre Guild Scholarship Foundation is hosting A Day at the Races benefit, celebrating the 137th Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses, on May 7th at the beautiful home of Steve Short.  The event will feature an elaborate Southern menu, a Derby hat contest and off-track betting.  Joyce Fox will be honored as the Derby Queen of […]

The Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Patrons’ Party was held on April 1st at the law offices of Rouse Hendricks German May.  Katie Van Luchene and Jerry Foulds are the chairmen of the Fourth Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Gala, which will take place on May 7th at the InterContinental Kansas City at the […]