The traditional BOTAR Presidents’ Tea was held on August 23rd at The Kansas City Country Club, led by Mandy and Meg Burditt, and Martha Gail Hughey and Andrea Hughey and Emily Quinn Hughey. Highlights included the historic gowns fashion show and the reveal of the 2024 gown. Featured in the October 19, 2024 issue of […]

Betsy Martin and Stephen Fowler met at the altar of Presidio Chapel in San Francisco, California, to exchange vows on April 27th. Betsy is the daughter of Karen and Gary Martin of Newport Beach, California, and Stephen is the son of Beth and David Fowler of Mission Hills, Kansas. Betsy’s sister, Lotte Martin, served as […]

The Independent was fortunate enough to call Anna Bazan-Munguia a Rising Star in 2023, and we are thrilled to report that Anna is still hard at work in her community. Despite her very busy and challenging position as director of community outreach for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, she has also been involved with […]

Mr. and Mrs. John Everett Baxter of Bentonville, Arkansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Nicole Baxter, to Paul Jarrel Freeman, Jr., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jarrel Freeman of Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Wear of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and […]

Jasper James Spivey arrived to the delight of his family on June 14th weighing seven pounds, nine ounces, and measuring 20 inches in length. The handsome, brown-haired young man is the son of Alex and Jordan Spivey, and the brother of Sutton Pearl, age four. JJ, as he is affectionately known, is the grandson of […]

Enjoy our special look back at fun times this Summer! Featured in the September 7, 2024 issue of The Independent

Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas is pleased to announce the presidents for its 51st Annual Snow Ball, to be held on January 18th. Kara and Doug Ciocca and Angie and Chris Dierks will lead the charge for the festive, black-tie celebration at the Overland Park Convention Center. With a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing […]

Patrick Deramus Johnston made his entrance into the world on March 12th, weighing seven pounds, 11 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long! The darling boy has blue eyes and brown hair. His doting family members are parents Amy Dean Johnston and Kirk Johnston, as well as thrilled older brother, Dean, age three. Patrick is named […]

June 2nd was the date for Kansas City Rose Society’s Rose Day and Rose Show. The beautiful event was held in the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park. Barbara McCanse was the Rose Show chairman, and Elizabeth Walters served as the Rose Day chairman. More than 300 roses were submitted for the […]

The Jewel Ball Gentlemen’s Serenade was held to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and special guests of the Gentlemen of The Jewel Ball. The June 2nd event was held at Mission Hills Country Club. The festive and floral afternoon gave the men a chance to serenade the special women in their lives with an elegant celebration. […]

The Jewel Ball Debutante Tea was held at The Kansas City Country Club on June 2nd. Catherine Carothers and Linda O’Hara served as co-chairmen for the lovely event. Debutantes, mothers, and grandmothers were treated to an elegant afternoon honoring the ladies, just days before the presentation.  Featured in the July 27, 2024 issue of The […]

Kansas City Symphony Board Chair Linda Gill Taylor was joined by past Symphony board chairs and generous supporters on April 3rd to honor Music Director emeritus Michael Stern at the annual Chairman’s Dinner. Guests enjoyed cocktails at Extra Virgin, followed by a musical program and a five-course meal at Farina. Michael Stern received many heartfelt […]

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City’s Legacy Invitational golf tournament was held on May 20th at Loch Lloyd Country Club and on June 10th at The National Golf Club. Golfers enjoyed unmatched amenities, including a gift salon with apparel, shoes, accessories, and much more. Proceeds support the organization’s mission to clear the path to a […]

Join HappyBottoms in celebrating 15 years of alleviating diaper need in our city! Diaper Bowl 2024 will be held on September 19th at Ameristar Casino & Hotel. The fun night will feature live music, silent and live auctions, a golden raffle, and great eats and drinks. Kim Maguire and Jessie VanLandingham are the event co-chairs.  […]

University Academy Foundation’s 22nd Annual Gala, Fore! The Love of UA, was held on April 13th. Erika and David Dickey were the honorary chairs, and Byron White, UA Foundation board chair and alum, served as the event chair. Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and mini-golf holes, in addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first […]

Loch Lloyd Country Club was the site for the C&C Group Alphapointe Golf Tournament on June 3rd. More than 140 golfers enjoyed drinks and delicious fare, raffles, and a special barbecue tasting by the Blind Butt Limitless BBQ competition team that came from Colorado to do demonstrations and samples. Proceeds support the organization’s mission to […]

Lifelong Kansas Citian Megan Bubb has become a prominent figure in the community’s philanthropic scene. Recognized as a Rising Star by The Independent, Megan’s achievements in philanthropy are numerous.  Despite the demands of her successful career as a top realtor in Kansas City, she prioritizes volunteer work alongside her responsibilities as a parent to two […]

Life Unlimited celebrated 20 years of its very successful fundraiser, Hats Off to Mothers, with its annual luncheon on May 10th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Eight stunning ladies were honored this year for their ability to balance family, personal achievement, and service to our community. Suzanne Shank served as the […]

Feeling like a delightful “springtime in Paris” evening, the Lyric Opera Ball, “A Toast to Opera,”had guests swooning over the gorgeous decor by Studio Dan Meiners. Partygoers enjoyed an auction, a delectable dinner, a performance by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Resident and Apprentice artists, and dancing to the music of Lost Wax. The […]

The Kansas City Museum Foundation hosted its ninth annual Derby Party on May 4th. Amy and David Embry were the honorary chairs, and Board Member Darcy Frick Stewart served as the chair. More than 500 partygoers donned their favorite derby fashion and enjoyed southern bites, local spirits, watching the race, and music from Cowtown Country […]

City Year Kansas City’s annual Idealist Gala was held on April 17th at Studio Dan Meiners in celebration of its students, AmeriCorps members, and community members who challenge cynicism, and inspire others into action. The 15 honorees were recognized for valuing racial and social justice and making a difference in the life of one person, […]