To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org. The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC. Trisha Brauer is the owner of Taking Bids Fundraising. She estimates that she spends approximately 26 hours preparing for each fundraising auction. Trisha is a […]

Countertenors have been with us for hundreds of years. If it seems that they are suddenly everywhere, it’s partly because the demand for them internationally has spurred conservatories toward a new level of training, to the point where we suddenly have dozens of really great ones. It took the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions nearly […]

Most of us have experienced at least one extraordinary moment in our lives in which we feel we’ve been visited by a miracle: and perhaps we have been. Such a moment is at the heart of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, which despite being a specifically Christian story contains fundamental truths that […]

April 2nd is the date for Red Hot Night 22, a benefit for Children’s Mercy. The event will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center and as a virtual event. Ellen and Peter Clune and Kim and Nick Warren are serving as the honorary co-chairmen. Joe Podrebarac and Rod Eisenhauer are the co-chairmen.    […]

Richard Liggett owned and operated several movie theaters and then, at the behest of his brother-in-law, he went to work for a company that made and sold vacuum cleaners.  You’re not riveted? Let’s try this: One of Richard’s theaters was the Gene Gauntier in Kansas City, Kansas. He named it after his sister, who was […]

BOTARs and Escorts enjoyed a delightful fall evening at Faulkner’s Ranch on October 1st. Partygoers enjoyed a sumptuous barbecue dinner, line dancing, square dancing, and bull riding. Bridget and John Brandmeyer, Jennifer and Tommy Clemente, Anne and Kevin Connor, Stephanie and Doug Dockhorn, Katie and Ryan Duffy, Kathy Dussold, Laurence Frazen, Sharon and Dan Keller, […]

With a degree in psychology from Avila University, and many years teaching at the Multiply Handicapped Preschool at The University of Kansas Medical Center, and later as an administrator at St. Michael’s Day School helping mainstream children with special needs, Melanie Nolker seemed to have a comfortable niche in life. Although, she said, “I come […]

The Lead Bank Rooftop in the Crossroads was converted into Studio 54 for a party hosted by BOTARs Meg Burditt, Anna Harding, Tyler Lockton, Bonnie Longan, Maddie Mann, Claire McCann, Emerson Peavey, Alice Rowland, and Ellie Rose Sachs. The vibe at the October 9th event was distinctly ‘70s, and the music was divinely danceable. BOTARs […]

The Gathering is an annual event, now in its ninth year, that benefits Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ program, New Roots for Refugees. October 5th was the date, with Missy Kuklenski serving as the chairman, at the lovely home of Elin Murphy. The speakers were Lauren Solidum, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and Meredith Walrafen, […]

The Lyric Opera Circle’s Fall Luncheon was held at The Capital Grille on October 6th. Mary Leonida, Circle president, and Ann Nigro were the co-chairmen. Deborah Sandler Kemper, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, shared information about upcoming productions, and Gigi Rose will be the chairman for the 2022 Lyric Opera Ball, “Una Notte a Roma.”  […]

December 4th is the date chosen for the Community Ball and Cotillion. Events leading up to it have included the Dads’ Ice Breaker, which was held on October 10th. This event, a chance for the fathers of the participants to mix and mingle, was hosted by the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in […]

Mark D. Sikes, the noted interior designer, was this year’s featured guest speaker at the 10th annual Committee of 100 Celebratory Luncheon at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Liz Maday and Kathy Donovan were the honorary co-chairmen, with Meredith Angrist and Kate Banks serving as the co-chairmen. The September 21st event included coffee on the […]

Becky Sue Nichols of Overland Park, Kansas, and Mr. Mick Andrew Frederes of Denver, Colorado, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jordan Mae Frederes, to Patrick Michael Howell, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Scott Howell of Overland Park. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas […]

J. Rieger & Co. was the site for KidsTLC’s Benefit21, “ELECTRIC.” The festive evening featured custom cocktails, delicious fare, and a live auction. DJ Ashton Martin amped up the music at the After Party, where guests danced the night away. Abby and Kevin Ellis were the chairmen, and members of the Bleakley family served as […]