If your to-do list includes coordinating the set-up, the volunteers and the electricity for a big event, in addition to managing the behind-the-scenes operations, that makes you head of logistics. If you’re doing all that for Stems: A Garden Soirée at The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, you’re Leo Handzlik. If you’re Leo, your […]

Lydia Allen spent seven years in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she studied at Butler University and worked for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Four years ago, she moved back to Kansas City. Lydia is the Manager of Individual and Leadership Gifts at ArtsKC. She is a member of Centurions, class of 2018. Her current Centurions activities include serving […]

Soprano Laurel Weir is a native of Canton, Ohio. She is the face of UMKC’s Crescendo, a scholarship fundraising event for the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, which will take place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on November 10th. Laurel is working on her Artist’s Certificate in vocal studies and chose […]

Matthew Schulte describes his job (coordinator – marketing) this way: he is part of the team that handles giveaways, special events, theme nights, promotions, and advertising for the Kansas City Royals. He has been employed with the Royals for more than six  years. Matthew is a member of Centurions, class of 2018. He serves on […]

When 2017 Most Wanted Honoree Darron Story is not working in the financial technology sector for EML Payments, he is a husband, father of six and grandfather of three. Darron hosts a weekly gospel music show on Magic 107.3, sings in his church and performs with his R&B group, Lo-Key. Mentoring is very important to Darron. He understands the […]

Klassie Alcine is the director of community engagement at Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. She oversees and advances activities within Greater Kansas City, including fundraising, special events and community partnerships. Klassie also is furthering her education and development as a leader in the non-profit sector in her completion of a master’s of public […]

Bartle Hall is the site for the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s Holiday Mart on October 19th through the 22nd. Not only will shoppers find great gifts, (including some for themselves), but the event benefits the community. For example, two of the beneficiaries are Wayside Waifs and Happy Bottoms. More than 5,400 animals will […]

Prairie Village native Ben Bliss will be the featured performer at the 2018 Lyric Opera Ball. This is the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Ball, and the theme is “An Evening of Bel Canto.” The gala will be held on April 14th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The honorary chairmen are Carol […]

2017 Most Wanted Honoree Mimi Kippes starts each day at one of her favorite local spots, CrossFit Memorial Hill, before going to work at The Fontaine Hotel, where she serves as Senior Sales Manager. Mimi is passionate about her two children, Amelia and Henry. She looks forward to family reunions at her parents’ home on […]

2017 Most Wanted Honoree Kama Moseley is a producer in the Signature Client Group, Lockton’s personal lines department. Never imagining that she would become so passionate about insurance, Kama soon understood that it is a way to help people and that has always been the driving force behind her career and life path. Along with […]

Maurice Watson’s home will be the lovely setting for The Epsten Gallery’s House Party. The second annual event will be held on November 1st. Kim Klein and Anne Russ are serving as co-chairmen of the fun, art-filled evening. The event will also promote Built Environments, the multi-media exhibition installed at the gallery from October 22nd […]

Committee members are preparing for Saint Luke’s East Hospital’s Boo Ball. The October 14th event will be held at The Pavilion at John Knox Village. Laura and Dale Maxwell are the honorary chairmen, and Kari Simpson and Judy Schmoeger are serving as co-chairmen of the circus-themed gala that will feature cocktails, delectable fare, silent and […]

2017 Most Wanted Honoree Liz Lewis is Vice President of Commercial Banking at CommunityAmerica Credit Union. She is passionate about Kansas City and is committed to serving the needs of our community by supporting local businesses and volunteering with youth programs. Liz believes the future of our community depends on youth advocacy and mentorship from […]

Meagan Dowell is a supervising senior tax associate at CBIZ MHM and is a member of the 2017 Class of Rising Stars. A native of Our Town, she first learned about the impact of philanthropy and volunteerism in high school when she traveled to Los Angeles to serve at The Dream Center. There, she provided […]

2017 Most Wanted Honoree Colby Jones is Chief Financial Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. He began his involvement with BBBS as a bowling captain at Bowl for Kids’ Sake in 1998. Colby was a Big Brother for 10 years and was named Big Brother of the Year for the state […]

Janelle Hersperger is a Kansas City native. As a member of Centurions, class of 2018, she has served on the History of Kansas City Task Force and the community leadership committee. Janelle is employed with Citizens Bank & Trust as a vice president of commercial banking. She enjoys teaching budgeting and working with children, activities […]

Current and past chairmen of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s Holiday Mart gathered recently at Susan Belger Angulo’s lovely home. The group celebrated the past, present and future of the special event. The 30th annual Holiday Mart, “30 Years of Cheer,” will be held at Bartle Hall from October 19th through the 22nd. […]

The 68th BOTAR Ball will take place on October 21st at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Tracy Lyon Tetrick is serving as president of BOTAR and is a BOTAR, class of 1990. She has been on the Executive Committee as treasurer in 1999, vice president of BOTAR activities in 2004 and […]

Dinner of Note, a benefit for the Heartland Men’s Chorus, will be held on October 28th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. This year’s theme is “The Queen and Mad Hatter’s Ball.” The honorary chairmen are Chris Beal and Tim Van Zandt. Jenny Harris and Brian Larios are serving as co-chairmen. Attire? […]

Danielle LeRoy is a member of the Centurions, class of 2017, where she has served as co-chairman of the curriculum committee and as a member of the Parks and Rec Task Force. In addition to being lead marketer at Centric Projects, she also heads the firm’s coordination efforts for volunteer activities. Among the organizations which […]

Jake Jacobson spent seven months studying dance with Joan Augustyn in preparation for BMA Foundation’s Dine & Dance With The Stars. Following 13 fundraisers in 13 weeks, the duo performed their three-minute ballroom routine to “Groove is in the Heart” and “HandClap” in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Overland Park Convention Center on […]