Latin Americans have played a major role in the growth of greater Kansas City for at least two centuries, probably beginning with the founding of Independence, Missouri, in 1821. Yet even as the Hispanic population today has grown to some 10 percent of the region’s 2.1 million inhabitants, Kansas City’s Latinos still find themselves struggling […]
Read MoreNearly all of Beau Bledsoe’s musical adventures have grown out of a lifelong love of the classical guitar, also known as the “Spanish” guitar. So it made sense that Ensemble Ibérica, the group that the Arkansas native established in 2013, should be dedicated to performing “music from Spain and Portugal and other areas of the […]
Read MoreThe mission of Habitaciones Para Latinos Association (or HPLA, as it is commonly known) is to provide home repair services to low income homeowners at no cost. The more elaborate explanation involves volunteers helping owners avoid costly code violations on their homes that they normally could not afford. Things such as broken windows, wood rot, […]
Read MoreColor, language, heritage, place, and time – they all mean something in the life of a child. They mean even more to a child with a Hispanic/Latinx background and language who happens to be in a school system in the middle of the United States. If the child is the center of the wheel, then […]
Read MoreAugust 18th was the date for Kansas City Ballet’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which celebrated the official opening of its South Campus at Meadowbrook location for its School. The completely reimagined space now faces 95th Street and has doubled from two to four state-of-the-art dance studios. Class offerings have been expanded for all ages and levels […]
Read MoreThe Kansas City Museum’s annual Derby Party will be held on May 4th on the historic grounds of the Museum. Amy and David Embry are the honorary hosts of the much-anticipated event. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of cocktails, mocktails, southern bites, live music, dancing, and the best Derby fashion in Our Town. Proceeds support […]
Read MoreThe Chiefs Charity Game, which was held on August 26th, continues a long-standing commitment of supporting the local community. The annual event, created by Lamar Hunt and continued by the Hunt family, was first held in 1985. This year’s beneficiary was MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault). MOCSA has been the beneficiary for three […]
Read MoreAbby Lynn Hale and Cooper Dean Heidebrecht were united in marriage on June 10th at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Abby is the daughter of Shirley and Dr. Richard Hale II of Garnett, Kansas. She is the granddaughter of Louann Hermreck of Greeley, Kansas, and the late Floyd Hermreck, and Leona Hale […]
Read MoreThe Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) was founded in 1983 by Tony Salazar. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of Latino families in Greater Kansas City by engaging the Latino community in philanthropy to build stronger communities through grantmaking and scholarship support. HDF acts in four ways: 1) increasing philanthropy […]
Read MoreThe Johnson County Museum was the site for The New Theatre Scholarship Guild’s annual event, which featured a “1940s Canteen Jazz Party” theme. Caryn Hastings served as the chairman. Partygoers enjoyed a nostalgic experience of the USO-World War II era, complete with 1940’s food, culture, and decor, in addition to great entertainment from the Brad […]
Read MoreHow does Julie Arnold help HALO? Many ways! Beginning in 2017, she has led workshops for young people who are homeless or at-risk. She launched and still supports the HALO Makers program. Young people create serving trays from reclaimed wood, and the trays are then sold at HALO events. This benefits the participants in the […]
Read MoreMembers of the BOTAR Class of 2023 gathered at Margaux Blackwell’s beautiful home for the BOTAR Reveal event on August 24th. They had a great time – and left knowing who their escorts would be. Margaux served as an event co-chairman, along with Lauren Sotos. The BOTAR Ball will be held on October 28th at […]
Read MoreDouble the pleasure, double the fun! Darling twin boys, William David Collins and Wesley Porter Collins, arrived on January 27th. Their proud parents are Monica and David Collins of Vero Beach, Florida. The active duo joins older brother, Rivers Collins, age eight, and older sister, Cameron Collins, age six. The boys are fraternal twins. Will […]
Read MoreAdele McConnell Royle and Blake Clemens McCartney were joined in matrimony on July 22nd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Gwen and Mike Royle of Parkville, Missouri. Her groom is the son of Michele and David McCartney of Manchester, Missouri. Adele is the granddaughter […]
Read MoreJanuary 20th is the date for The 50th Annual Snow Ball, which will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center. Veronica and Peter Mallouk are serving as the presidents, and Kathy and Jack Newman are the honorary presidents for the black-tie evening. The Emerald City Band will provide the entertainment following a cocktail reception […]
Read MoreTo 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. Julianne DeLessio is employed with Union Station Kansas City as its donor and corporate relations manager, where she works with corporate partners and sponsors, as […]
Read MoreNovember 19th is the date for the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Event, hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC. Bill Berkley, Lisa Ginter, Gordon Lansford, Madeleine McDonough, Jeff Simon, and Bridgette Williams are the co-chairs for the festivities, which will be held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Joe Reardon will be […]
Read MoreIn Kansas City’s philanthropic circles, one vibrant and beloved personality stands out as a Rising Star – Anna Bazan-Munguia. As the youngest of 27 grandchildren, Anna’s journey to local prominence is intertwined with her family’s rich history and a deep sense of community spirit. Anna’s grandfather, a skilled tailor who once worked for President Harry […]
Read MoreIn Wyandotte County, a fresh era of development within the Latinx community is on the horizon. Dedicated community leader, Irene Caudillo, has recently assumed the role of Chief of Staff to Mayor Tyrone A. Garner within the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. With a decades-long track record of affecting change among the Latinx population, Irene’s […]
Read MoreGuadalupe Centers occupies a unique place in the Kansas City landscape. They are the only dual language early childhood education center in the area, the only Charter School serving the Latino community, and the only bilingual Financial Opportunity Center in the metro. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the […]
Read MorePathway To Hope’s annual Donor Appreciation Event was held recently in The Argyle Room at Children’s Mercy Park. Donors and volunteers enjoyed meeting Tara Adler, the organization’s new executive director. In addition to celebrating, details were shared regarding the upcoming gala, Night of Hope, on October 21st. Featured in the September 16, 2023 issue […]
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