Karen Abramowitz is delighted and honored to be a 2016 Rising Star and to be included in the company of such remarkable professionals who make a difference in Our Town. The award also serves as a humble reminder of the importance of giving back.  She began her career in journalism, working as an associate producer […]

Unlike many community leaders in Our Town, Gregory Porter had to overcome a myriad of difficulties in his early life. His mother, who spoke and read very little English, came to the United States from Korea to follow her American husband. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she was then forced to support herself and her three […]

Christine and Ford Maurer will serve as the honorary chairmen, and Barbara Storm is the chairman of the Kansas City Symphony League’s presentation of the Symphony Ball’s “Evening Overtures.” The event will take place on September 10th in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center. Guests will enjoy cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, […]

Skyler Phelps is a treasured volunteer at Sheffield Place. He serves as a board member and also as the chairman of the Off the Wall art event. Skyler gives his time and talents to Sheffield Place and its mission of healing and self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. Curt Thomas, Kelly Welch, Sheffield Place; […]

Al Risden has been a motivating force for Sprint’s Give Lunch initiative since it began in 2007 to donate food and pack sack lunches for hungry children and families. Al has had a perfect attendance record for all 96 Give Lunch packing sessions. He is an Ambassador for Harvesters and was named Harvesters’ Volunteer of […]

Matt Benge is a graduate of The University of Kansas. He is a member of Centurions, class of 2016. Matt serves on the membership committee of the Association for Corporate Growth and is on the Chiefs Charity Game committee for The Children’s Place. Matt and his wife, Katie, have a ten-month-old daughter, Rose. Katie and […]

September 17th is the date for the second annual Night at the Tower, a benefit for the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Trudy and Jack Gabriel are the chairmen, and Bill Dunn, Sr., representing the Dunn Family, is the honorary chairman. (Seated) Bill Dunn, Sr., honorary chairman; and Jack Gabriel, chairman (standing) Trudy […]

Jeff Blaesing graduated from the University of Nebraska where he played baseball and received his executive master of business administration degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He is a member of Centurions, class of 2016, and has been involved with the Legacy Project. He and his wife, Becci, have two children, Katelynn […]

Linda and Mike Lyon are the chairmen, and Susan Gordon and Scott Francis are serving as the honorary chairmen for the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance’s Crescendo. The November 4th event will be held in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Honorary Chairmen Scott Francis and Susan Gordon Chairmen Mike […]

September 17th is the date for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City’s Red Shoe Shindig at Arrowhead Stadium’s North Club. Ann and Bob Regnier and Kate and Jonathan Bender are serving as the co-chairmen. Proceeds from the event help provide a “home away from home” to the families of sick children. Co-chairmen Bob and […]

Carolyn Voelker has made the library at Horizon Academy a better place to read and relax. While volunteering there twice a week, Carolyn reorganized the shelves, added decorative flair and registers new books so that students can continue to have access to new materials. Also featured in the May 14, 2016 issue   

Since, 2009 Eddie Meyer has volunteered at Heart to Heart International. Volunteering at least 20 hours per week, she handles the front reception desk, trains new volunteers and organizes volunteer trips to Haiti, where HHI operates 16 health clinics. Thank you, Eddie, for sharing your time and talents with HHI. Also featured in the May […]

Tanesha Ford received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri. She is the program director for the Kauffman Scholars. Tanesha and her husband, David, are expecting their first child in June. She is a member of Centurions, class of 2016. Tanesha serves on the Education Task Force and is co-chairman […]

Lindsey Rood-Clifford works for EPIC Innovative Events as a senior event producer. She is a member of the Centurions, class of 2017 and serves on the Trip Task Force and the curriculum committee. She and her husband, Chris, have three children, Megan, Shea and Peyton, and two Boston Terrier-Beagle mixes, Annie and Oliver. Also featured […]

Dr. Bradley Warady is the honorary chairman, and Crista Collins is serving as the chairman of the National Kidney Foundation’s Magic of Giving Gala. The June 9th event will be held at The Gallery Event Space. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, a balloon pop, a live auction, and entertainment by Charlotte Fletcher & Soigne. Honorary […]

According to Kristi Hutchison, chief marketing officer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City; Rising Star Jennifer Matney “has a brain for business and a heart for charity. Her involvement in the non-profit world is impressive and her passion for everything that she does is contagious.” For 14 years, Jennifer has been deeply […]

October 8th is the date for The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s Kemper Gala 2016. Partygoers will savor delicious cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Jennifer Maloney, Café Sebastienne; and enjoy great music and entertainment. Lindsay and Lee Major are the honorary chairmen, Jan Kyle and Kim Weinberger are the co-chairmen and Karen and Jack Holland […]

Ozanam’s Golf Classic, “Putting Kids on the Right Course” will be held on May 13th at St. Andrew’s Golf Club. The four-person scramble tournament will feature a putting contest, silent auction, lunch, and an awards ceremony. Brian Paulsen is serving as the chairman. Chairman Brian Paulsen and Rob Whitten, Ozanam Also featured in the April […]

In 2000, Laura Crowe was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Since the day she was diagnosed, Laura has made it her personal mission to beat blood cancers. She works tirelessly to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s efforts year round and has assembled a group of volunteers to help named “Team Crowe.” Laura volunteers twice […]

Ashley McDonald is a graduate of The University of Kansas. She is the manager of marketing and community engagement at Shawnee Mission Health. Ashley is a member of Centurions, class of 2017. She serves on the Sports and Entertainment Task Force and the recruiting committee. Ashley enjoys being active and spending time outdoors. Jeremy and […]

Heart to Heart International’s Compassion Gala will be held on May 7th at the Overland Park Sheraton. Shirley and Glen Posladek are serving as honorary chairmen. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with balloon pop (grab bag) opportunity, dinner, live auction, entertainment, and more.  Glen and Shirley Posladek, honorary chairmen Also featured in the April […]