Hotel Kansas City was the site for First Call’s Soiree, which was held on September 28th. Karen and Jeffry Gerson were the event chairs. The newly reimagined event featured a keynote performance by live painter, John Bukaty. Guests were treated to a lovely dinner, an auction, and most importantly, stories of hope from former First Call clients. Funds support the organization’s mission to reduce the impact of alcohol, drugs, and addiction by providing quality resources to individuals, families, and the community.

Karen Gerson, event chair; with John Bukaty, performance artist; and Emily Hage, First Call (out of camera range) Jeffry Gerson, event chair

Gary McCarthy, Karen Gerson, event chair ;and Dan Alldredge

Eric Blonde, Pete Gasser, Mitch Burgess, Jonathan Lofgren, Blake Allen, and Robert Moreno

Kent Mueller, Beck Johnson, Anna Petrow, and Patrick Mulvihill

John Bukaty with his performance painting

Lucy Brown, Jean Kiene, Dick Rhyne, and Maria Pyle

Dana Schwartz, Allison Berey, Tom Cohen and Lena Price, and Lisa and Steve Ruben

Megan Fowler, Mary Frances Haake, Sheryl Cotterman, and Julianne Fowler

George Lopez, board chair; and John Bukaty, performance artist
Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: Don Ipock