Leo E. Morton, honoree Leo E. Morton will receive the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award from The Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee. This prestigious award is given to someone who inspires the citizens of our community and exemplifies great leadership and tremendous community activism. The award will be given at the Human Relations Dinner on […]

On November 9th, Gordon Parks Elementary School will honor its namesake on what would have been his 100th birthday at the historic Gem Theater. The “many faces” of Gordon Parks will include his work with Life Magazine, the mainstream Hollywood film,The Learning Tree; and Essence Magazine. Dorothy and Bill Curry are the honorary chairmen, and Dr. Bernard Franklin will serve as […]

St. Teresa’s Academy will host its 2012 auction, Swinging on a Star, on November 17th at the school. The evening will feature both live and silent auctions, where guests will have the chance to bid on more than 800 exciting gifts. There will also be a gourmet dinner and a raffle with a grand prize of […]

       Kristin and Dr. Andrew Armstrong, chairmen[/one_half] The 14th Candlelight Ball will be hosted by The Research Foundation at the Overland Park Sheraton on November 3rd. The black-tie gala will feature a cocktail reception, five-course dinner and dancing to The Dave Stephens Band. Kristin and Dr. Andrew Armstrong are the chairmen. Also featured in the […]

The UPTOWN/DOWNTOWN Kemper Gala is sure to be an exciting evening. The Gala will take place on October 13th at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and features an Uptown and a Downtown experience. Guests will begin the Uptown evening in the Kemper Museum with glamorous decor and dinner by Cafe Sebastienne, and then end the evening […]

Ozanam’s Annual Hollywood Holiday Gala began 29 years ago as a small movie premier and has grown to host more than 800 guests. This year, the Gala will be held on December 6th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Sharon and Don Greenwood are the honorary chairmen, and Kathy and Matt Nordhus will serve […]

Janice Keller Williams has been committing a great deal of her time to the Love Fund for Children for the past three years. She has served as the silent auction committee chairman for theLove Fund Golf Classic and the Firehouse Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament. Janice loves knowing that her work makes a difference in the lives […]

Healthy U is a signature program through the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, that focuses on building a healthier Kansas City through programs on nutrition and undernourishment, healthy choices, eating on a budget and fitness programming. The Junior League of Kansas City’s Holiday Mart will provide proceeds for Healthy U and other children’s fitness and nutrition […]

Jeanette Prenger has been a dedicated volunteer for Junior Achievement of Middle America (JA) for the past six years. JA is dedicated to providing students with education about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Jeanette currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors for JA.  She enjoys being part of an organization that […]

The children at Spofford have greatly benefited from the kindness of Dr. Jim Maliszewski. Dr. Mal, as the kids call him, started The Spofford Breakfast Club, which brings colleagues and family members together to serve up a pancake breakfast for the children. He also organizes many events for the children including sending them to the theater, […]

Excitement is building for the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance’s Crescendo to be held on November 2nd. Crescendo will be held in an amazing new venue this year, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Magnificent music and dance, from jazz to the classics, will fill Helzberg Hall. More than 250 talented students […]

One-of-a-kind ornament designed by Michael Savage[/one_third] A wonderful BOTAR tradition, Tablescapes, will return to Our Town on September 18th and 19th. The September 19th luncheon has already sold-out and tickets to the September 18th Preview Party are still available. The 2012 Tablescapeswill feature 40 fabulous designers who will create 40 different tablescapes at the American Royal’s Grand Hall. Michael Savage, […]

Stephanie Smith Kissick was introduced to the American Royal at an early age by her parents, Sonya and Cotton Smith. Her father is a past president of the Saddle & Sirloin Club, and she enjoyed going down to the BBQ contest, the lamb auction cocktail party and the rodeo. As president of the 63rd annual […]

On September 19th, a group of volunteers visited Newhouse Shelter to planet beautiful fall mums and plants. Newhouse provides safety, hope and strength to abused women and children. Thank you, volunteers, for giving back to Our Town!  

Urban Rendezvous III will be held on October 26th at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Joanne and John Bluford are the honorary chairmen, and Chris Hernandez is serving as the emcee. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and a live auction. The Urban Ranger Corps is hosting the event which will benefit at-risk inner city youth. Also […]

On October 20th, help HOPE take flight at the Spofford Butterfly Gala at the Doubletree Hotel. Christi and Joe Pribula, board member; and Janine and Doug Nickerson, board member; will serve as the co-chairmen. All proceeds will help Spofford provide the direct treatment needed for the children with emotional and behavioral disorders attributed to physical and sexual […]

The 2012 Serving for the Heart Gala on October 6th will include a delicious dinner with silent and live auctions. The event will take place at Church of the Ascension and Mary Carol Garrity and Nell Hill’s will provide the fabulous decorations. Proceeds will benefit The Sisters, Servants of Mary who provide private nursing to the sick […]

Johnson County Community College will honor Marti and Tony Oppenheimer on September 29th with a gala at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Marti and Tony have donated more than 150 works of art to the College over the past two decades. Also featured in the September 1st issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Dusti […]

The 17th annual Benefit at the Bristol will be held on October 15th at The Bristol Seafood Grill in Leawood. Ann and John Sundeen will serve as the chairmen, and Janet and Ron Reimer are the honorary chairmen. Proceeds from the event will benefit Truman Medical Centers’ behavioral health programs. Also featured in the September 1st […]

Chef Ted Habiger of Room 39 will create a gourmet farm-to-table dinner for the event Under a Harvest Moon on September 30th at Powell Gardens. Along with the delicious fare and open-air at the Missouri Barn, guests will enjoy hand-selected wine pairings by Amigoni Urban Winery. JoAnn Stultz and Arlyn Silvey will serve as co-chairmen. All proceeds […]