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. Jerry Pickman is the vice president of philanthropy operations for Mosaic Life Care Foundation. “I am responsible for implementing a unified and comprehensive fund development […]

Leading with Love, a benefit for Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, will be held at Loews Kansas City Hotel on June 15th. Christine Kemper, founder and board chair, will lead this inaugural event, with Debby Ballard, Mara Cohara, Tammy Edwards, Jeanette Prenger, and Laura Welch as co-chairs. Ann and Andrew Tisch will be the special […]

HALO, which provides housing, healing, and education services to thousands of HALO youth, will hold “Defying the Odds”: A HALO Art Auction Benefiting Homeless Youth on February 24th at Hotel Kansas City. The event will feature live and silent auctions, as well as musical performances and special guests. Auction items will include artwork by HALO […]

Anne Potter Russ (Mrs. Norbert Russ) will serve as the chairman of the 2023 Jewel Ball. The event will be held on June 17th at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Anne is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George William Potter, Jr. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Webster […]

Carrie McDonald has been a volunteer with Literacy KC for nine years. She donates to the organization and has volunteered there for more than 1,000 hours. Carrie is an active tutor who assists students with reading, writing, and comprehension skills. She also volunteers in the Community Garden, where she helps each week with watering, harvesting, […]

The Lyric Opera Ball, hosted by the Lyric Opera Circle, will be held on April 1st at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Mary Beth Gentry is serving as the president of the Lyric Opera Circle, and Edie Downing and Juliette Singer are serving as the co-chairmen for the Ball. The event will […]

Karla and Dr. Ivan Batlle are serving as the honorary chairs for the Lyric Opera Circle’s 35th Lyric Opera Ball. The Batlles have made their home in Our Town since leaving New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Karla is a member of the Lyric Opera Circle, and Ivan is a member of the […]

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy’s Civic Service Award Celebration will be held on January 22nd at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Alan Edelman will be this year’s honoree. The honorary co-chairs are Merilyn Berenbom, Marcia Karbank, and Roshann Parris. Susie Azorsky and Mike Abrams are the event co-chairs, and Carl Puritz, school founder, and […]

The Loop KC brings together similar yet unique minds to create genuine friendships and ignite the next generation of business leaders in Kansas City. Members of The Loop KC are required to give back to local non-profit organizations. Learn more about The Loop KC, here.  Francie Knackendoffel is a senior technical recruiter at ECCO Select. […]