SevenDays-Make a Ripple, Change the World volunteers are taking a tragedy and turning it into a ripple of inclusion, wholeness, and nurturing, and creating a wave of positive change for the future. Each year, seven days in the spring are designated to a variety of programs and activities focusing on kindness. This year, Virtual SevenDays […]

Each April, Children’s Mercy celebrates its incredible volunteers, who serve important roles in a myriad of functions and brighten days for patients and their families. These are just a few of the hundreds of volunteers who allow Children’s Mercy to fulfill its mission of pediatric health care. Stephanie Simpson “Going to the doctor can be […]

Kim Gile is a member of the Centurions Fall Class of 2020, where she has served more than 100 volunteer hours. Kim is the president-elect of KC Downtowners and is past president of Consensus. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business management from The University of Kansas, and a master’s degree in information science […]

To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org. The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC. Shamika Hogan serves as director of development for reStart. She has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in management and fundraising. […]

India M. Williams is the Director of KIPP Through College at KIPP Endeavor Academy. Her team supports students as they prepare and select the right college and career based on their interests and passions. In May of 2019, the Kansas City native was appointed by United States Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II to the Black/Brown Coalition. […]

Audra Clark is a member of the Centurions Fall Class of 2020. Her involvement has included helping plan the November Education Task Force and serving as co-chairman of the community leadership committee. Audra is the executive director of City Year Kansas City, a non-profit organization that focuses on keeping students in the Kansas City, Missouri, […]

What’s a garden without birds? Or, in this case, Byrds? Anne and Wayne Byrd are the honorary chairmen for Stems: A Garden Soirée, which will be held on June 27th at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wayne was the founding president of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, which is celebrating […]

Being the mother of a sick child who was helped by Children’s Mercy 21 years ago led Becky DeKnight to her current role as a volunteer in the NICU. Her friendly demeanor and smiling face are just what the families need while navigating a medical issue. The staff is dedicated to helping the children, and […]

Mark Mattison is a member  of The Independent’s Rising Star, Class of 2019. He is the director of major gifts for the UMKC Conservatory. Steering the work of volunteer committees of the Friends of the Conservatory, last year Mark helped set a record fundraising goal of $633,000 for their Crescendo gala. Mark also initiated the […]