The Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) Human Relations Dinner was held on November 21st at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel.  Donald J. Hall, Jr. was honored for his significant contributions of time, effort and expertise to improve the lives of people in Our Town and beyond.  For his efforts, he was presented with the 2010 Henry W. Bloch […]

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary recently held its annual Membership Tea at the lovely home of Madeline Wrobley.  Guests enjoyed refreshments and each other’s company. Gloria Findley-Grogger serves as president of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Also featured in the January 8th issue of The Independent  (Front row) Jeanne Cockayne, Madeline Wrobley, host;  and Louanne […]

The 16th Annual Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon was held on December 11th at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.  The festivities featured the Kansas City Youth Ballet performing excerpts from The Nutcracker, and holiday carols sung by the St. James Academy Honors Choir.  Guests enjoyed watching the magicians perform, taking photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy […]

Mission Valley Hunt committee members are well underway planning for their Annual Hunt Ball on February 5th.  A Patrons’ Party will be held on February 4th at the lovely home of Kelly Cole and Charles Shrout, and will be co-hosted by Julie and Mike Honsinger.  Members will round up their horses and hounds for a […]

Third-generation Swirk Jewelry owners Tracy and Brian Swirk opened the doors of their Plaza store on December 10th to greet friends and customers and celebrate the business’ 100th anniversary.  Brian’s grandfather, Ben Swirk; opened a jewelry store downtown a century ago.  Ben’s son, Joe Swirk; moved the store to the Country Club Plaza in 1965, where it […]

Ozanam‘s 27th annual Hollywood Holiday Gala was held on December 2nd at The Westin Crown Center Hotel.  Guests enjoyed cocktails, silent and live auctions, a delicious dinner, and entertainment by the boys and girls at Ozanam.  Katherine Bontrager Houlehan and Joseph Houlehan served as chairmen.  Proceeds from the evening benefited scholarships and services for the boys and girls […]

Members of the Lyric Opera Circle gathered for the Holiday Luncheon on December 1st at Webster House.  Everyone eagerly anticipates the Lyric Opera Ball, which will take place on April 2nd at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel. Also featured in the January 8th issue of The Independent Magazine Rhea Winslow, Suzanne Shank, 2011 Ball co-chairman; Tricia Scott, president; and […]

Newhouse House Party was held on November 20th at the Ritz Charles.  The theme was “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and all funds raised at the event will benefit the women and children served by the shelter.  Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, live music and silent and live auctions.  One lucky live auction winner will receive a custom-made […]

The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties held its annual Mother’s Tea on September 19th as the official kick-off for the 2010 Community Ball and Cotillion.  The event recognized the mothers of the 60 high school seniors that have been honored with an invitation to participate in the event.  The Mother’s Tea was hosted at the lovely home of Renee […]

Amy Barickman‘s new book Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion & Fun launched on September 2nd with an event at the Kansas City Public Library and a reception at the Simpson House.  A percentage of book sales that evening benefited Enchanted Makeovers, an organization that transforms shelters for women and children into places of […]

Helzberg Collections™ celebrated the grand opening of its flagship store on the Country Club Plaza on October 7th.  Many guests joined in for the unveiling of the dramatic new store setting and to meet Olympic gold medalist, Dorothy Hamill, as she debuted her exclusive Love, Help and Hope Collection™.  Proceeds from the event benefited Susan G. Komen® for […]

The 61st Anniversary BOTAR Ball was held on October 16th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.  The evening was nothing less than spectacular — guests were blown away by the beautiful decor, delicious dinner and the traditional BOTAR waltz.  (Not to mention the dresses this year were absolutely stunning!)  A big congratulations goes […]

The fifth annual Bike 4 the Brain (B4B) community-wide bike ride/run/walk to raise awareness about mental illness will be held on Septermber 6th at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.  B4B is affiliated with Mental Health America of the Heartland and all funds raised from the event will support local not-for-profit organizations that help people […]

Over 200 guests attended An Intimate Reception for The NorthCare Hospice House on June 24th.  The hosts of the lovely event were Patty Garney and Sandra Aust.  Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, made donations and shopped for items to give to the Hospice House, all while the NorthCare Hospice music group entertained on piano and flute. Also featured […]

Everyone channeled their inner ‘Saturday Night Fever’ for Basketball Boogie held on June 11th at the College Basketball Experience in the P&L District.  KU fans reveled in celebrating college sports — and benefiting a good cause, Bill and Cindy’s Assists Foundation.  Cindy and Coach Bill Self served as chairmen.  Guests enjoyed delicious food, star-studded entertainment […]

The Jewel Ball floor committee rolled up their sleeves and participated in an Outdoor Adventure at William Jewell College on June 5th. Also featured in the July 24th issue of The Independent (Front row) Ellen Cray, Ellen Bolen, Lori Allen, Kim Aliber, and (back row) Debbie Smith salute. (Out of camera range) Jeannette Reintjes     […]

Jewel Ball debutantes gathered at Karen and Skip Peavey’s Lake Lotawana home on June 12th for a spa party.  Also featured in the the July 24th issue of The Independent (Front row) Kristen Peavey, Lee Fryer, Claire Ridge, (row 2) Sarah Luby, Taylor Twibell, Kit Andresen, (row 3) Elyse Wilson, Libby Bash, Jenny Howard, (row […]

Seven Jewel Ball debutantes along with their parents hosted “Steppin’ Out With The Debs” at Mosaic Lounge in the Power and Light District on June 14th. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner and lots of dancing! Also featured in the July 24th issue of The Independent Photo Credit: David Riffel  

Dining By Design is the signature fundraising event for DIFFA Kansas City.  This exciting event showcases the personal passions of some of Our Town’s leading design talents.  Since its inception more than 15 years ago, Dining By Design has helped to raise much needed funds for HIV and AIDS education and prevention in the Kansas […]

Ida’s Bridal and Tuxedo held its first ever Mother’s Fashion Show in March.  Mom’s modeled their glamourous gowns they had purchased at Ida’s and had worn at various galas, weddings and events.  More than 85 women enjoyed cake, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries as they watched the ladies walk the specially-built runway lined with fresh flowers.  […]

The Ballet Ball was held on March 6th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.  Ellyn Brown and Carl Schramm served as honorary chairmen, and Melinda Petet served as chairman.  Ginger and Michael Frost received the Pirouette Award this year. Also featured in the April 17th issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Larry F. […]