Lana Franco has been a volunteer with MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) since 2019, giving more than 600 hours to support survivors of sexual assault in local hospitals. The pandemic has not stopped Lana, as she has made a commitment to support MOCSA’s mission to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual […]

While the 1970s might have been idyllic for some of us (the author was in junior high and high school and worried about dates, disco, and the right Gunne Sax dress for the occasion), many in our community and around the country were struggling. It was a time of political divisiveness (history has a way of […]

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is very grateful for the Aces volunteers. Each member of this remarkable and dedicated crew has donated more than 500 hours (in 2019 and again in 2020) of community service to the Museum and Memorial. They help support the organization’s mission by making sure guests have a memorable and wonderful experience at the […]

Many times, numbers speak with as much authority as words do. In the case of domestic violence, the numbers paint a frightening, if not more frightening, picture than the actual words which describe this trauma. One-in-three women and one-in-four men have experienced domestic violence.  There are 342 beds in our city for emergency shelter, and […]

“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” – Doris Day    Companionship is the simple, defining factor of the special relationship between humans and dogs; it is the act of just being […]

The University Academy Foundation, (formerly known as Friends of University Academy), is hosting its 2021 Spring Event on June 3rd at the UA Stadium. The plans call for family-friendly fun, complete with entertainment, games, and refreshments. Proceeds will help fund educational programs and opportunities that support college readiness, college completion, and career success for UA […]

Kathy and Gary Bussing make a fantastic philanthropic couple, and Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is very grateful to them for their time and talent. These longtime supporters have donated their efforts to the organization for the last 13 years. Kathy is a volunteer and former board member who has advocated for more […]

Molly Krause works as a tax manager for CBIZ. In her free time, Molly is a dedicated volunteer at Junior Achievement. She serves as a Future Women’s Leadership Forum mentor and is a member of the Young Professionals advisory board. In her role on the advisory board, Molly strives to involve other young professionals in […]

Save the date for Johnson County Library Foundation’s virtual 2021 Library Lets Loose celebration on September 18th. The free, family-friendly event will benefit lifelong learning resources in our community. Join Honorary Hosts Denise and Rick Mills for the festive event, which also coincides with the organization’s 25th anniversary. Also featured in the March 20, 2021 […]

The 15th Annual Dancing With The Kansas City Stars!, a benefit for Cristo Rey Kansas City, will be held on June 26th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The Airline History Museum was the setting to announce seven stars, Nick Durand, Phil Glynn, Mike Jackson, Mary Haggerty Kroening, Kate O’Keefe, Julie Towner, […]

University Academy is forever grateful to Melynn Sight. Several years ago, Melynn inquired about volunteering at UA. She had a desire to educate children about bullying. Out of her passion were born two projects: Step Up Sisterhood and Stand Up Brotherhood, two anti-bullying groups in University Academy’s fourth grade. Since then, a new group, the […]

Olathe Medical Center is very grateful for Doris Chrisenbery, who has been volunteering there since 2011. She brings warmth and cheer to the lobby of the hospital and the cancer center every week, as she greets people. Doris serves on the ambassador finance committee, preparing the annual budget. She also volunteers at special events and […]

March 21st is the date for Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy’s Civic Service Award Private Broadcast Celebration. Pella Fingersh and Neil Sosland are serving as co-chairmen of the virtual event. The late Tiberius Klausner, acclaimed violinist, concertmaster, educator, and parent and grandparent of HBHA graduates, will be posthumously honored with the Civic Service Award. The late […]

It has been 50 years since Sister Berta Sailer and Sister Corita Bussanmas began what would grow to be Operation Breakthrough. They started by helping a few children, and ended up improving the lives of thousands. The Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy will be the site for the celebration of Operation Breakthrough’s 50th birthday […]

Jennifer Malone is a member of  Centurions, where she serves as the co-chairman for the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and volunteers with Uplift, HappyBottoms, Harvesters, and Giving the Basics. Jennifer received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and secondary education from Rockhurst University, while on a soccer and academic scholarship. After teaching for […]

Wendy Savlin has what sounds like a wonderfully rewarding career as senior director, employee experience and culture enablement at T-Mobile. She focuses on connecting employee programs, products, and services to elevate the employee experience. With two bachelor’s degrees from Truman State University in business and marketing, Wendy has spent most of her professional life in […]

February 25th is the date for The Center For Practical Bioethics’ private broadcast celebration of Humility, Health and Healing: Where do we go from here? Dr. Barry Kerzin, personal physician to the Dalai Lama, is the keynote speaker, and Dr. Steven Stites, The University of Kansas Health System, will be honored with the Vision to […]

Michelle Carlstedt joined Urban Ranger Corps’ (URC) board of directors in May of 2019. Since then, she has served as chairman of the development and marketing committees. Michelle has also served on the annual dinner planning committee, and much more. She has been honored by the organization as its Volunteer of the Year.  Erik Dickinson, […]

Brian Votava is passionate about the Who Is Carter Foundation. He serves on the organization’s board of directors and is a driving force behind the annual Who Is Carter Gala. Brian is the director of development and founding partner of NorthPoint Development. He often engages other NorthPoint staff members in a variety of volunteer roles […]

Zack Donnelly is a member of the Centurions Class of 2021. He serves on the legacy project committee and is a member of the Tourist In Your Own Town Task Force. Zack earned a degree in finance and entrepreneurship from The University of Kansas. He is employed with The John A. Marshall Company. Volunteering with […]

Children’s Mercy’s Red Hot Night will be a virtual affair on February 20th. Randy Pope and Walter Porter are serving as co-chairmen of the 17th annual event. The evening promises to be great fun, including Dustin Colquitt as emcee, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and inspiring mission moments. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s […]