Meet Christopher Stibbs, an extraordinary individual whose unwavering dedication and passion have made him a force of nature in the non-profit sector. Chris has become a role model of altruism, leading the charge to address ongoing issues and bring about positive change within Kansas City. Recognized as one of The Independent’s 2023 Class of Rising […]

KidsTLC’s Benefit23: Dream will be held at J. Rieger & Company on October 7th. Sarah and Ryan Owings are serving as the event chairs. In keeping with the theme, guests should envision a “sophisticated pajama party.” In addition to exploration of the J. Rieger & Company distillery, the agenda will include custom cocktails, delicious food […]

Kansas City is well known for its love of barbecue, but there’s another thing we are just as passionate about – community service. From volunteering at local non profits to organizing fundraising events that benefit neighbors in need, Kansas Citians seem to always look for ways to give back to the community. Kristal Ronnebaum is […]

December 1st will be the evening for the 56th annual Ballet Ball, hosted by the Kansas City Ballet Guild. Susan Lordi Marker and Dennis Marker will be the honorary chairmen. Jo Anne Dondlinger will serve as the Ball chairman, and Cyndi James is the Guild’s incoming president. The event, which will be held at The […]

Two events are on the calendar for Leawood Welcomers in the coming weeks. Marcia McCoy, Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center, will address the subject of heart health at the 2023 Spring Hospitality Coffee on May 17th at Leawood City Hall. Kaite Mediatore Stover, Kansas City Public Library, will speak to the Leawood […]

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.  JoAnna Muenks spent her childhood on a farm in Westphalia, […]

Shirley Bush Helzberg will be the honorary chairman for the Symphony Ball, with Julie McCann and Gina Penner serving as the co-chairmen. The Symphony League of Kansas City will host the September 9th event, which will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center. “Seasons” will be this year’s theme. The Kansas City Symphony will […]

Elizabeth Rowe, who is known as Liz, learned the human costs of Alzheimer’s when her mother had the disease, and her father was his wife’s valiant caregiver. Liz responded by getting involved. For years, she has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Her Walk team, The Brainiacs, has a history of excelling at fundraising. […]

Chas Vincent has served as a volunteer with Wayside Waifs since 2018. When he is working as a Meet ‘n’ Greet volunteer, he shows dogs who are available for adoption to people who are looking to add canine members to their families. His other duties include assisting at the front desk in the adoptions area, […]

Johnson County Library Foundation’s Library Lets Loose event will be held on September 23rd at the Central Resource Library. Julie Steiner and Stann Tate are serving as the event planning co-chairs. Library lovers can sip on the signature cocktail, “Let Loose Juice,” and enjoy music, sweet and savory bites, prize drawings to win unique experiences, […]

The Good Cheer Volunteers are being applauded by Children’s Mercy during this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Month. These rays of sunshine help make the days brighter for clients and their family members and caregivers. In addition to assisting with parent programs, they help clients enjoy experiences similar to camp activities, such as crafts, games, and special […]

Ann and Josh Rowland are serving as the honorary chairs for the 29th annual Community Luncheon, a benefit for the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). The event will be held on May 5th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The keynote speaker will be Jodi Kantor, a Pulitzer Prize […]

Tandra Stacer has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City for many years. Not only is she a board member, but she is a Big. Tandra and her Little, Gabby, were matched a decade ago and have many wonderful memories of their time together. Tandra and Gabby received the Big and Little Sister […]

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. Lauren Clifton-Thompson is the philanthropy and communications manager for Amethyst Place. As she stated, “My career is rewarding because I witness lives being transformed through […]

Trailblazer: Jennifer Matney, Rising Star Class of 2016 Jennifer Matney, Rising Star Class of 2016, is the board chair of the Women United Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Kansas City and the board president for the School of Economics. She is a member of the ambassador board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. Jennifer […]

Anne Bowling’s activities with the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City include serving as secretary and a member of the board of directors, which she has done for more than six years. That’s far from her only involvement. Anne also helps guide the organization’s social media presence. She posts updates on Facebook. […]

The Symphony League of Kansas City’s Symphony Ball, “Seasons,” will be held on September 9th at the Kansas City Convention Center. Shirley Helzberg is serving as the honorary chairman. The event will celebrate Maestro Michael Stern’s final season with the Symphony. All members of the Symphony will perform. Julie McCann and Gina Penner are the […]

Members of the Celebration Committee for Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy’s Leading with Love event met recently at Lathrop GMP for a luncheon to kick off the inaugural event. Event Co-chair Mara Cohara was the host. Exciting plans are being made for the June 15th celebration, which will be held at Loews Kansas City Hotel. […]

Colin Woods helps HappyBottoms by delivering orders to diaper distribution agencies and hospitals, entering data, contacting families who need information, and much more. He has volunteered for more than 100 hours with the organization. Thank you, Colin, for helping to alleviate diaper need in Our Town.  Featured in the February 18, 2023 issue of The […]

Ursula Terrasi and Jim Miller are the honorary chairs for Truman Library Institute’s Wild About Harry, which will be held on April 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The 24th annual event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s “Year of Great Decisions,” 1948, which paved the […]

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 […]