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 […]

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Charles King of Leawood, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jane Louise King, to James Arthur McClure, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Leonard Hertlein of Meriden, Kansas, and the late Mr. James Alvin McClure. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Aloysius […]

Katie Dunn Fitzgerald and Matt Fitzgerald, Karen and Hank Herrmann, Christine and Sandy Kemper, and Yvette and Leo Morton were the honorary co-chairmen for The Rent Party, a benefit for Community LINC. The October 2nd event was held at the Sheraton Crown Center Exhibit Hall. Peggy and Terry Dunn were the 2021 Hometown Hero honorees, […]

This year’s Dream Big Day, a benefit for Children’s Mercy, was held as an at-home celebration on September 25th. A radio broadcast featuring patients’ stories, interviews with supporters, fun music, and more were among the items on the agenda.   Read more from the November 13, 2021 issue of The Independent

The 48th Annual Snow Ball, a benefit for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will be held on January 15th at the Overland Park Convention Center, with guests having the option of attending virtually. Patti and Tom Schugel are the honorary presidents, and Donna and Mark Teahan are serving as this year’s presidents. The annual Kick-off […]

Jackson County CASA held its third annual Cocktails for CASA – A Night of Hope on October 1st at the Pennway Place at Studio Dan Meiners. The jubilant evening (including the CASA-politan signature cocktail) raised funds to support CASA’s mission of providing children who are in the Jackson County family court system due to abuse […]

An increasingly high demand for quality Thai food has brought about a third location for Penny and Doug Mufuka to Our Town. Also the proud owners of the Thai House and KC Thai, they have opened Bamboo Penny’s in Park Place in Leawood. If a host of menu options and an even larger restaurant footprint […]

The Love Fund has been a treasured organization in the Kansas City metro since 1981. As the organization celebrates its 40-year history, it is not without a look back at the foundation of the mission and its immeasurable impact on our community. The Love Fund’s origin story began with a weekly news segment on Fox […]

Jennifer Salva and Logan Weed were the co-chairmen for The Whole Person’s Night of Independence Awards Gala – An Evening in Paris. The event, which was held on September 24th at The Abbott, spotlighted individuals, businesses, and organizations that work to further the mission of The Whole Person to provide independent living services and programming […]

The Kansas City Country Club was the setting for the Jewel Ball Mothers’ Coffees, which were held on September 28th and 29th. Mothers of this year’s Debutantes, Gentlemen of The Jewel Ball, and Escorts enjoyed the fun festivities. Susie Heddens is serving as chairman of The Jewel Ball, to be held on November 27th at […]

The first KidsCare Clinic, the development of PACE KC for older adults, and a new clinic at the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Downtown Community Education Center – these were some of the topics when Jeron Ravin, Swope Health president, spoke on September 23rd. The event was a reception hosted by the organization at the […]

September 18th was the date for the seventh annual Night at the Tower, a benefit for the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The festivities were celebrated as a virtual event, with small groups gathering for a watch party experience. Radha and Ram Shankar and Holly and John Thomson served as co-chairmen. Members of […]

The Johnson County Library Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with its signature event, Library Lets Loose, on September 18th at the Lenexa City Center Library. Popping confetti champagne bottles for the hybrid event were Honorary Hosts Denise and Rick Mills. Proceeds from the evening support lifelong learning library resources. Geoff Allison and Rachel Berbiglia   […]