In just one year, Jorge Soberón-Hernández and his team at Arvest Bank led more than 170 financial literacy classes in Kansas City, helping hundreds of people gain the financial knowledge they need to secure a better future. But for Jorge, this is just the beginning of his commitment to uplifting underserved communities. With his drive […]

The Midland Theatre will be the site for Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault’s (MOCSA’s) 20th annual Night Out with MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction on October 19th. The event will feature a “Masquerade” theme, complete with art, music, and dancing, in addition to cocktails, delectable fare, and silent and live auctions. Jennifer and Steven […]

Kersti Azar recently moved from Chicago to Kansas City and immediately started making an impact in MOCSA’s hospital advocacy program. She completed 40 hours of training and has provided more than 230 hours of service to survivors already! “I’ve been deeply impressed with MOCSA’s dedication and outreach. It is creating a safer and healthier environment […]

Laura Palacios is a woman who gets things done. In her words, she “means business” when it comes to the causes she champions. Renowned for her support of literacy, diversity advocacy, and numerous other initiatives, Laura’s extensive community contributions have earned her recognition as a Rising Star from The Independent.  The motivations behind such dedication […]

Symphony Ball Chairman Barbara Haviland and her dedicated committees are in the midst of creating a supernova event designed to honor a superstar! The 2024 Symphony Ball, presented by the Symphony League, promises to be the brilliant light on the Autumn horizon of fundraising affairs in Our Town. Built around our world-class symphony orchestra and […]

Lifelong Kansas Citian Megan Bubb has become a prominent figure in the community’s philanthropic scene. Recognized as a Rising Star by The Independent, Megan’s achievements in philanthropy are numerous.  Despite the demands of her successful career as a top realtor in Kansas City, she prioritizes volunteer work alongside her responsibilities as a parent to two […]

Known for her extensive charitable work in Kansas City, Amy Barnthouse has earned her recognition as one of The Independent’s  Rising Stars of 2024. For many years, she has dedicated her leadership and logistical talents to supporting families in need throughout the region. Amy’s commitment to community care and support stems from the values of […]

The stars will be out – all of the Starry Night at Starlight stars, that is! On July 27th, a group of Kansas City’s most dynamic charitable movers and shakers will raise funds to support Starlight’s Bob Rohlf Internship Program. Partygoers will enjoy an unforgettable evening of fun, food, music, and a Broadway performance. Every […]

The Kansas City Ballet Guild will host its 57th annual Ballet Ball on December 7th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The Nutcracker Ball will help celebrate Kansas City Ballet’s December 6th through the 24th performances of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Linda and John “Topper” Johntz […]

Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy will host a celebration to mark its first five years on September 6th at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Members of the Celebration Committee for Leading with Love met recently to kick off the festivities at a luncheon hosted by Mara Cohara, committee member. Leading the fundraising event is Christine Kemper, […]

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the 17th annual Stems: A Garden Soirée will be held on June 22nd to benefit the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. Barbara and Mike Nicco have returned to Kansas City and are thrilled to be serving as the honorary chairs […]

Chris Constant is a beautifully complicated man, yet so very humble and charming, it’s almost hard to believe that so many talents and qualities exist in just one soft-spoken man. As he unfolds, much like a piece of origami, we find out so many endearing and intriguing pieces. Born in South Korea and adopted by […]

As Children’s Mercy Kansas City celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, they would like to highlight some of the many volunteers who help the hospital run smoothly. With more than 700 people volunteering their time and talents, including guiding families through the hospital, comforting babies in the NICU, critical behind-the-scenes processing of donations of clothes […]

Survivor Sarah Klein will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Community Luncheon to benefit MOCSA on May 1st at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. As an attorney and a survivor of Olympic women’s gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, Sarah is an ally and an inspiration to so many. Given the […]

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) will host its 30th annual Community Luncheon on May 1st with Kathy Koehler and Heather Bortnick serving as honorary co-chairs. Leah and Arlan Vomhof and Sujal Shah and Holly Garber are the community support committee co-chairs, and Monica Gray and Chris Gray are serving as the event co-chairs. […]

Unbound is an international non profit that delivers more than $100 million in personalized support annually for children, elders, and their families living in poverty in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It has consistently and responsibly challenged poverty since 1981. Unbound is also the only major United States-based non profit that offers sponsorships for elders.  […]

The 2024 Symphony Ball, to be held on September 7th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, will launch the tenure of music director Matthias Pintscher. His Kansas City premiere public performance with the Kansas City Symphony will be celebrated with a spectacular Ball, hosted by the Symphony League of Kansas City. Barbara Haviland […]

Catholic Education Foundation is so very grateful to Karen and Craig Gaffney for their leadership and support of the organization’s 2023 Gaudeamus Gala, which raised a record-breaking $2.4 million for scholarships for students in need at Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas. Catholic education is what brought these two graduates of Bishop Ward High School together […]

“A Toast to Opera” will celebrate the rich history and enduring beauty of the timeless art form of opera! The Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball, under the direction of Co-chairmen Deanna Diebolt and Sharon Barry, promises to be an elegant affair with curated silent auction items, pop-up opera performances, dinner, and dancing to the […]

Truman Library Institute’s Wild About Harry event is celebrating its 25th anniversary! The occasion will be marked on April 18th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, with Event Chairs Merilyn and Dr. Loren Berenbom at the helm. David Von Drehle and the late Karen Ball are the honorary chairs. Guests will […]

Love Is Key, especially when talking about chicken and waffles. Actually, Love Is Key when Tameisha and Cameron Martin touch anything having to do with food and catering. The name of their business says it all, and the love they put into their culinary efforts dates back to Tameisha’s grandmother, Daisy. Daisy’s gift was baking […]