Janice Keller Williams has been committing a great deal of her time to the Love Fund for Children for the past three years. She has served as the silent auction committee chairman for theLove Fund Golf Classic and the Firehouse Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament. Janice loves knowing that her work makes a difference in the lives […]

Healthy U is a signature program through the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, that focuses on building a healthier Kansas City through programs on nutrition and undernourishment, healthy choices, eating on a budget and fitness programming. The Junior League of Kansas City’s Holiday Mart will provide proceeds for Healthy U and other children’s fitness and nutrition […]

Jeanette Prenger has been a dedicated volunteer for Junior Achievement of Middle America (JA) for the past six years. JA is dedicated to providing students with education about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Jeanette currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors for JA.  She enjoys being part of an organization that […]

The children at Spofford have greatly benefited from the kindness of Dr. Jim Maliszewski. Dr. Mal, as the kids call him, started The Spofford Breakfast Club, which brings colleagues and family members together to serve up a pancake breakfast for the children. He also organizes many events for the children including sending them to the theater, […]

Excitement is building for the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance’s Crescendo to be held on November 2nd. Crescendo will be held in an amazing new venue this year, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Magnificent music and dance, from jazz to the classics, will fill Helzberg Hall. More than 250 talented students […]

One-of-a-kind ornament designed by Michael Savage[/one_third] A wonderful BOTAR tradition, Tablescapes, will return to Our Town on September 18th and 19th. The September 19th luncheon has already sold-out and tickets to the September 18th Preview Party are still available. The 2012 Tablescapeswill feature 40 fabulous designers who will create 40 different tablescapes at the American Royal’s Grand Hall. Michael Savage, […]

Stephanie Smith Kissick was introduced to the American Royal at an early age by her parents, Sonya and Cotton Smith. Her father is a past president of the Saddle & Sirloin Club, and she enjoyed going down to the BBQ contest, the lamb auction cocktail party and the rodeo. As president of the 63rd annual […]

On September 19th, a group of volunteers visited Newhouse Shelter to planet beautiful fall mums and plants. Newhouse provides safety, hope and strength to abused women and children. Thank you, volunteers, for giving back to Our Town!  

Urban Rendezvous III will be held on October 26th at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Joanne and John Bluford are the honorary chairmen, and Chris Hernandez is serving as the emcee. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and a live auction. The Urban Ranger Corps is hosting the event which will benefit at-risk inner city youth. Also […]

On October 20th, help HOPE take flight at the Spofford Butterfly Gala at the Doubletree Hotel. Christi and Joe Pribula, board member; and Janine and Doug Nickerson, board member; will serve as the co-chairmen. All proceeds will help Spofford provide the direct treatment needed for the children with emotional and behavioral disorders attributed to physical and sexual […]

The 2012 Serving for the Heart Gala on October 6th will include a delicious dinner with silent and live auctions. The event will take place at Church of the Ascension and Mary Carol Garrity and Nell Hill’s will provide the fabulous decorations. Proceeds will benefit The Sisters, Servants of Mary who provide private nursing to the sick […]

Johnson County Community College will honor Marti and Tony Oppenheimer on September 29th with a gala at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Marti and Tony have donated more than 150 works of art to the College over the past two decades. Also featured in the September 1st issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Dusti […]

The 17th annual Benefit at the Bristol will be held on October 15th at The Bristol Seafood Grill in Leawood. Ann and John Sundeen will serve as the chairmen, and Janet and Ron Reimer are the honorary chairmen. Proceeds from the event will benefit Truman Medical Centers’ behavioral health programs. Also featured in the September 1st […]

Chef Ted Habiger of Room 39 will create a gourmet farm-to-table dinner for the event Under a Harvest Moon on September 30th at Powell Gardens. Along with the delicious fare and open-air at the Missouri Barn, guests will enjoy hand-selected wine pairings by Amigoni Urban Winery. JoAnn Stultz and Arlyn Silvey will serve as co-chairmen. All proceeds […]

Karen and Hank Herrmann have avidly supported Community LINC by sharing their time, talent and hearts in an effort to make a change for homeless families in Kansas City. The mission of Community LINC is to end homelessness, impact poverty and remove barrier to self-sufficiency for the families it serves. On October 6th at Community […]

Laura Marshment began volunteering for the Humane Society 11 years ago and serves on the Pet Telethon and Dog-n-Jog committees. In 2006 she started a rescue group called KC Angel Rescue.  Laura has two adopted dogs, Maximus and Buckley. Thank you for all you do for Our Town, Laura! Also featured in the September 1st […]

The eighth annual Renovation Sensation Homes Tour will be held on September 12th. Four exceptional homes in the Shawnee Mission East area will be featured. All proceeds from the Tour will directly benefit SHARE, recognized as the largest student-led community service organization in the country and an integral part of Shawnee Mission East High School. Also featured […]

Our Town will gather on September 3rd for the Seventh Annual Bike 4 the Brain (B4B) running, walking and cycling event. Participants will have the opportunity to partake in a 5K non-competitive run/walk, a tricycle challenge and a variety of bicycle races. This year’s event will benefit Kids TLC, Niles Home for Children, reStart, Sheffield Place, Synergy […]

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial will be the site of First Call’s 2nd Annual Message in a Bottle: A Celebration of Recovery on September 12th. The featured speaker at the event will be William C. Moyers, New York Times bestselling author of Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption. Ali and Tim Dunn […]

New Roots for Refugees is a Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas program with collaboration from Cultivate Kansas City. The organization helps promote positive change for refugees resettled by Catholic Charities. The Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City is providing a generous grant to New Roots for Refugees and giving more hope for refugees in Our […]