For more than 16 years, Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried have been loyal supporters of MOCSA. They have served as community support committee chairs and are members of the organization’s Giving Circle. These enthusiastic donors shared, “We are honored to support MOCSA, whose activities and programs improve individuals’ lives, elevate awareness of sexual abuse and […]

Ryan Banes has been involved with Lead to Read KC since 2018. In that time, he has been a reading mentor at three different schools: Brookside Charter School, Crossroads Academy – Quality Hill, and Indian Creek Elementary School. Ryan knows that mentoring makes a difference. That’s not all – he also serves as the fundraising […]

Kansas City shines brighter with each passing year, thanks to the spirit of individuals who devote themselves to making a positive impact. Within this constellation of changemakers is William Block, an exceptional volunteer whose philanthropic endeavors have earned him a well-deserved place among The Independent’s 2023 Class of Rising Stars. Will, as he prefers to […]

September 30th is the date for the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s Night at the Tower. Kimberlee and Erik Bergrud and Katrina and Tom Henke are the event co-chairs. Members of the Bergman Family are the honorary chairs. The evening will be a celebration of everything our treasured Museum and Memorial does for our city. […]

What’s Jeff Jaworski’s passion? Advocating for Catholic education. Since 2021, he has been the chair of the Catholic Education Foundation’s board of directors. During his tenure, CEF has been able to reach more students in northeast Kansas and offer more scholarship funds. His efforts don’t stop there – he even served as the co-emcee for […]

Kris Reeder is serving as the event committee chair for the Chiefs Charity Game, which will benefit MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). He is also leading the  fundraising efforts during the final year of a three-year partnership with the Hunt Foundation. The event, which will be held on August 26th at Arrowhead Stadium, […]

The HeartLight group at the Heartland Men’s Chorus is made up of people who don’t sing, but provide support in a variety of ways. Depending on their schedules, members of HeartLight may participate by attending the weekly rehearsals and assisting with setup, volunteering to help with events such as concerts, or in other ways, such […]

Joanne Collins and Alvin Brooks are serving as the honorary co-chairmen for the inaugural Prom with a Purpose, a benefit for KC Shepherd’s Center. The September 30th event will be held at the Hy-Vee Arena. The theme will be “Dress Your Decade.” Partygoers will enjoy traditional “prom photos,” a Golden Ticket Raffle, Kansas City-inspired food […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]