A benefit supporting programs and services of Truman Heartland

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G A L A
A benefit supporting programs and services of
Truman Heartland Community Foundation
2014 Presenting Sponsor
$10,000
Good stewardship of your money
provides stewardship opportunities
for your heart’s passions.
4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 620
•
Independence, MO 64057
•
816-833-6650
•
www.stewcap.com
GALA PROGRAM
Menu
6:00 PM
Cocktail Reception
Salad
7:00 PM
Welcome and Introductions
Emcee
Dick Wilson, KCMO Radio 94.9 FM
Invocation
Ken McClain
Dinner
8:00 PM
Program
seasonal mixed greens in a radicchio
cup with citrus carpaccio, strawberries
and caramelized pecans with a
dijon-lime vinaigrette
Entree
roasted beef tenderloin with a bacontomato jam over horseradish duchess
potatoes with saffron poached fennel,
grilled asparagus, a honey-thyme
glazed baby carrot and blistered
grape tomatoes
Dessert Duo
Martha Cockerell, Board Chairman
Phil Hanson, President & CEO
Dr. Paul M. Thomson
Advisor of the Year Award
chevre cheesecake dome with
blueberry-grand marnier sauce, tuille
and mint garnish
and
Heartland Corporate Citizen Award
chocolate filled tart of salted
shortbread with white and dark
chocolate garnish, fresh berries and
gold leaf
Citizen of the Year Awards
Chef Franck Marciniak
Heartland Humanitarian Award
Jeffrey Floyd – Banquet Sous Chef
Entertainment Piano Duo Artists – Elaine Jackson and Nancy Robinson
MISSION
To improve area communities by promoting
and serving
private giving for the public good.
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2014 Board of Directors
Martha Cockerell, Chairman, Raytown Educational Foundation
Judy Forrester, Vice-Chairman, Dana Forrester Watercolors
Joy Hobick, Secretary, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
Richard Kreher, Treasurer, Richard N. Kreher & Associates
Chuck Foudree, Immediate Past Chairman, CFO (ret)
Paul Broome, Broome Cadillac (ret)
Cindy Cavanah, Community Volunteer
Brad Constance, Stewart, Cook, Constance & Minton, LLC
Bill Esry, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.
Randall Ferguson, IBM (ret)
Robert Hepting, Trebor, LLC
Dave Jeter, Jeter, Rains & Byrn, L.C. (ret)
Cliff Jones, Edward Jones
Barbara Koirtyohann, Hallmark (ret)
Steve Krueger, Steven C. Krueger Legal Services LLC
Allan Markley, Raytown Quality Schools
Tracey Mershon, Mershon & McDonald
Melanie Moentmann, DST Systems
Jim Pryde, Bryan Cave
Charles Shields, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
Barbara Thompson, Psychologist (ret)
Ron Finke, Stewardship Capital
Eleanor Frasier, Community Volunteer
Helen Hatridge, Community Volunteer
Darrel Hensley, KCP&L
Brenda West, State Farm (ret)
David Williams, Centerpoint Medical Center
Sharon Williams, Shook, Hardy & Bacon (ret)
Advisory Boards
Blue Springs
Independence/Sugar Creek
Lee’s Summit
Raytown
Steve Krueger, Chairman
Melanie Moentmann,
Chairman
Sharon Williams, Chairman
Barbara Thompson,
Chairman
Annette Seago,
Vice-Chairman
Terry Norwood, Secretary
Michael Banks
Jeff Coleman
Chris Culbertson
John Hardy
Mark Newcomer
Tina Parsley Hughes
Eric Sporing
Brien Starner
Sara Stiles
Rebeca Swank
Nicole Underwood
Ellen Ward
Mark Simcosky,
Vice-Chairman
Eric Knipp, Secretary
Jill Esry
Greg Finke
William Haman
Steve Kidwell
Scott King
Fred Mills
Mark O’Renick
Steve Potter
Billie Preston
Kathryn Harvel,
Vice-Chairman
Candy White, Secretary
Patrick Avila
Matthew Baird
Brad Cox
Gary Fruits
Helen Hatridge
John Ivey
Kirk Nooks
Machelle Riffe
Gloria Solis
Diane Krizek,
Vice-Chairman
Linda S. Gerding, Secretary
Mayor David Bower
Pat Ertz
Sue Frank
George Koepp
Chief Jim Lynch
Judy Ness
Steve Shelton
Jim Stilley
Alyse Stoll
Stan Salva
Dawn Weaks
Brian Snyder
Shirley Wurth
Mayor Eileen Weir
Dave Wurth
Youth Advisory Council Leadership Team
Annie Crawford and Chris Verbrugge, Blue Springs High School
Kenny Distefano and Tristen Caudle, Raytown High School
Emily Allgeyer, Rebekah O’Donnell and Alexis Vittengl,
Blue Springs South High School
David Dempsey and Emma Franklin, Raytown South High School
Matt Allen, Fort Osage High School
Jordyn Azcona, Sydney Bitterman, Mariah Gilbertson and
Danielle Pycior, Grain Valley High School
Colton Billings and Sidney Mason, Lee’s Summit High School
Zachary Hitchcock and Lucy Bryan, Lee’s Summit North High School
Tanner Ferrell and Elise Blegen, Lee’s Summit West High School
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Andrew Hartzler and Logan Kenepaske, Summit Christian High School
Lisa Gardner and Alana Cieszykowski, Tri-City Christian High School
Lindsey Knight and Megan White, Truman High School
Katie Jones and Brando Garcia, Van Horn High School
Autumn Burleson and Samantha Chance, William Chrisman High School
2014 Honorees
Norman E. Swails
Heartland Humanitarian of the Year
After college and military service, Norm joined the professional ranks of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and
served as a scout executive in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and the National Council. He was the Assistant Chief
Scout Executive/National Director of Finance at the National Office in Irving, Tex. He retired from the BSA in 1985
to begin a second career at the International Headquarters of the Community of Christ in Independence, Mo. He
led the fundraising for the new Temple dedicated to the Pursuit of Peace and was serving as Presiding Bishop of the
church when he retired again in 1996.
Norm spends much of his retirement time in volunteer service projects. He has been Chairman of the Board of the
Truman Heartland Community Foundation, the Independence Chamber of Commerce, President of the Midtown
Truman Road Redevelopment Corporation and a Trustee of Park University and Graceland University. Currently
he is president of the Legacy Foundation. He has given leadership to the expansion efforts of many community
organizations including Hope House, Sunshine Center, Community Services League and The Truman Presidential
Museum and Library. Other past and present affiliations include Rotary International, the Greater Kansas City
Community Foundation and Affiliated Trusts, Jackson County Historical Society, Independence Council for
Economic Development and several corporate directorships.
A native of St. Joseph, Mo., Norm received degrees from Graceland University and Missouri Valley College. During
their college courtship he and his wife to be, Darleen, decided on a career in human service. He is an ordained
bishop in the Community of Christ Church. Norm has completed certificate programs under the auspices of several
universities and educational institutions including the College of St. Thomas, Harvard Graduate School of Business,
UMKC, the College for Financial Planning, Boy Scouts of America and Community of Christ. He is a Certified
Financial Planner (CFP) and a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).
Norm is a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association and a Trustee for Life in the Nonprofit Leadership
Alliance (formerly American Humanics) and a Honorary Life Member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce.
The Independence Plan for Neighborhood Councils presented him its Lifetime Achievement Award and Graceland
University its Distinguished Alumni Award.
Norm and his wife Darleen enjoy the blessing of family – son Tom, Fridley, Minn.; Jan (and Ken) Shannon, Wichita,
Kan.; John (and Laurie), Alpharetta, Ga.; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
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2014 Honorees
Corporate Copy Print
Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year
In 2014, Corporate Copy Print celebrates its 20-year anniversary. Part of the company culture has always included
partnering with charitable organizations who serve others. From the very beginning of Tom and Susan Waters’
years of owning and operating their business, they have been committed to giving back to their community.
Over the company’s 20-year history the Waters have donated thousands of dollars of in-kind printing to many
nonprofit groups across Eastern Jackson County including: Community Services League, Independence Square
Association, Salvation Army, Rotary Club, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Independence Arts and Film Festival and
Independence Chamber of Commerce, as well as countless scout, school and church groups.
In addition to the company’s corporate support of the community, the Waters are both actively involved as
volunteers in the area. Tom’s current board duties include Community Services League, Independence Chamber
of Commerce, Independence Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Board. He has served as the President
of Independence Square Association, Rotary Club of Independence, Santa Fe Trail Neighborhood Community
Development Corporation and Santa Fe Trail PTA. He is an Elder in the Community of Christ Church, has served
as a Scoutmaster and is an Eagle Scout.
Tom is not alone in serving his community – Susan has also been involved in a wide variety of community efforts
including St. Mary’s High School Board of Education, Santa-Cali-Gon Fair Board, Community of Christ Youth Rally
Team, Women’s Retreat Board and the Hillcrest Ministries Gala Committee. She has been an active participant in
Cornerstone Community of Christ Church and many other community efforts.
Tom and Susan have been married for 33 years and have two daughters. Amy, who earned a certificate in Digital
Desktop Publishing from the Kansas City Art Institute, has worked in the family business for more than 10 years
and Stacey, who earned a degree in Business Administration from Park College, currently works at Commerce Bank
in Kansas City.
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Doug hammer
Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the Year
The positive impact of Doug Hammer’s deep commitment to our community and area philanthropy can be seen
throughout Eastern Jackson County. His dedication to helping area residents meet their financial and charitable
goals has made him a leader in the financial industry. In addition to serving his clients, he is known in the
community as a dedicated volunteer and supporter of charitable causes.
Doug is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wis., he began
his Edward Jones career in 1993, opening the firm’s second branch in Independence. In 1997, he became a limited
partner with the firm and he was named a regional leader in 2004 and principal in 2007. Today he is responsible for
more than 40 branch teams in the southern half of the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area and suburbs and actively
promotes charitable giving to his clients and in his advisor network. He has been invited three times to attend the
firm’s annual Managing Partner’s Conference - an honor reserved for the top 350 of the firm’s more than 13,000
financial advisors.
Doug has served on numerous boards and has helped with dozens of community-service projects. Among many
other volunteer commitments, he is a past president of the Rotary Club of Independence and past chairman of the
Independence Tourism Advisory Board. He is a past board member of the Independence Regional Health
Center/Centerpoint and served three terms on the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board. During his
eight-year board commitment with THCF, he served multiple terms as the Grants Committee Chairman and helped
the Foundation develop its financial advisor partnership program, which makes charitable giving beneficial for both
financial advisors and their clients.
Doug has been married to his college sweetheart, Beth, for 31 years and they are proud parents of Megan, a VP at a
marketing firm; Drew, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Chase who will be a freshman at MU this fall.
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2014 Citizens of the Year
Ted and Betty Meyer
City of Blue Springs
Ted and Betty Meyer have been active in the community of Blue Springs
since they moved there as newlyweds in 1961. In 1966, they realized
their dream of opening a music store - Meyer Music. Ted has served
as President of both the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce
and Betty has served as the President of the Young Women’s Civic
Club along with other civic organizations. They are active supporters of
the Blue Springs School District music programs, St. Mary’s Hospital,
Community Services League, the Rainbow Center, Rotary Club,
St. John LaLande Church and the music programs of surrounding
school districts. Meyer Music has also been named the Family Business
of the Year for the Greater Kansas City area.
Ted and Betty have four children and nine grandchildren, many of
whom are involved in the family business.
BENEFACTOR • $5,000
Centerpoint Medical Center
is a proud supporter of the
Truman Heartland
Community Foundation.
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CenterpointMedical.com
Allen Lefko
City of Grain Valley
Allen Lefko’s numerous contributions to Grain Valley’s many projects
and programs have made a great impact on the community, including
senior citizen luncheon events, school scholarships, Grain Valley Police
Department’s annual shred event and Victim’s Rights Golf Tournament.
Moreover, Allen has served on many boards and committees within
the community and has most recently accepted and serves on the
Grain Valley Economic Development Council. He has also sponsored
and coordinated the “CHOICES” program for 10 years and funded the
A+ Program, both in the Grain Valley School District. He has been in
banking since 1955 and is currently Chairman of the Board of the Bank
of Grain Valley and Grain Valley Bancshares.
Allen and his wife, Barbara, are very proud of their three children and
their spouses. They are blessed with six wonderful grandchildren.
BENEFACTOR • $5,000
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2014 Citizens of the Year
Bill and Jill Esry
City of Independence
Third generation and lifelong residents of Independence, Bill and
Jill Esry have made an indelible mark on the city as civic volunteers,
business leaders and community advocates.
Throughout his career at Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., Bill has
been a vocal leader in the Eastern Jackson County community as
President of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, Chair
of the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation, Executive
Board Member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and
Council President and 2014 Presiding Chieftain of the Tribe of Mic-OSay for the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America. Under
his leadership, Blue Ridge Bank continues to be a highly regarded
financial institution.
Jill was elected to the Independence School Board in 2010 and
currently serves as the Board’s Vice President. Jill serves the children and elderly
of the community through her decades of volunteerism as President of the PTA for
both Sycamore Hills Elementary and Bridger Middle School, board member of the
Independence Council of PTAs and Meals on Wheels. Bill and Jill’s civic involvement
has also included their participation in Rotary Club of Independence, Independence
Junior Service League and many more great organizations.
Bill and Jill are proud parents to their daughters, Ellie and Jordan.
BENEFACTOR • $5,000
COMMITMENT TO
OUR COMMUNITIES
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE
WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
DSI commends the Truman Heartland Community Foundation for
connecting the community to the people who strive to make a
difference — those who continuously seek opportunities to
improve the quality of life for all people. DSI is proud to sponsor a
partner with such a steadfast commitment to its community.
dsiglobal.com
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KANSAS CITY | LONDON | MELBOURNE | SINGAPORE
Steve Silverstein
City of Lake Winnebago
Dr. Steve Silverstein served on the Board of Aldermen for 18 years. The
majority of those years he was Mayor Pro Tem and Police Commissioner.
As Police Commissioner, Steve championed training and professionalism
creating an outstanding department. Steve was always concerned about
public safety and supported strict enforcement of bicycle, vehicle and
pedestrian traffic and animal control. Steve was the driving force for
yearly charity events supporting the Police Assistance Fund. Steve always
gave generously at each event.
Some of the city’s accomplishments while Steve was on the Board of
Aldermen were a new city hall, a new public works building, the passing
of three bond issues for streets and sewers and the annexation of land
critical for city growth. Steve was continually driving the city to optimize
its services while maintaining a positive reserve.
Steve and Silverstein Eye Centers have supported fundraising activities in the city. His efforts
have helped make these events very successful. Steve and his wife, Elisa, have three children.
BENEFACTOR • $5,000
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2014 Citizens of the Year
The Tominia Family
City of Lee’s Summit
As owners of Cameron’s, a successful furniture store, the Tominia
family has become greatly involved in the community with each
member of the family playing a big role.
Steve has served on the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street
(DLSMS) Board of Directors for 12 years as President and during
his tenure DLSMS received the Great American Main Street
Award. Sue volunteers her time behind the scenes for numerous
DLSMS events and provides her design skills with the ReDiscover
Homes Tour. Amy Robertson, Sue and Steve’s daughter, was
named DLSMS Volunteer of the Year in 2004 and 2012 and was
recognized as Downtown Ambassador of the Year in 2009. Sue
and Steve’s other daughter, Gina Seibel, is a member of the Lee’s Summit 360
implementation committee and is a volunteer on the Truly 150 Sesquicentennial
Planning committee. By contributing their individual talents, each member of the
Tominia family has made a great impact on the community.
Michael McDonough
City of Raytown
Michael “Mike” McDonough grew up in Raytown and has remained in
the same neighborhood since moving to the city in 1963. Mike first started
working for the City of Raytown in the Street Department. He started his
police career in 1975 and has worked in almost every facet of police work
and is currently the Sergeant of Traffic. He was a Raytown Police Officer
of the Year and received the Lifesaving Award from the Metropolitan
Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. Mike also received the Raytown Fire
District James Schneider Award for Lifesaving.
Mike was recently elected to the Raytown Charter Commission where he
will join other Commissioners in writing and proposing a Charter for the
City of Raytown. He is the Secretary of the Raytown Police Benefit Fund. During
his tenure, Mike has been instrumental in raising money for the Raytown Police
Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $100,000 for local charities.
Mike is a past Board Member of the Friends of the Rice-Tremonti Home and REAP.
He also participated with Youth Friends for the Raytown School District and
read to students at Southwood School for many years. He also volunteers his time
coaching soccer, baseball and scouting.
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Herb Soule
City of Sugar Creek
Chief Herbert M. Soule has served the City of Sugar Creek for over
45 years – first as a Patrolman, then Sergeant, followed by Captain
and was elected City Marshal/Chief of Police/Fire in 2001. Herb is a
lifelong resident of Sugar Creek and founded Sugar Creek Police and
Fire Explorer Post 2, pioneered Child Video Printing in the Metro Area
and was instrumental in the development of the Homeland Security
Program for the State of Missouri. During his tenure, Herb has received
the Award for Valor for Heroism in Line of Duty, received both Kiwanis
and Optimist Officer of the year awards and was the American Legion
Missouri State Police Officer for the year.
Herb has a passion for keeping the City of Sugar Creek involved with
various surrounding organizations. He has served on the Midwest
Public Risk Board, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and on the COMBAT Board. He has been
a member of the Sugar Creek Economic Development Council as well as a member of the Sugar
Creek Business and Civic Club. He has served as a member of the Board of Advisors for Continuing
Education at the Western Missouri Regional Police Academy and a member of both the International
Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas City Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.
Herb and his wife, Jen, have three sons and one daughter. Herb is the proud grandfather of 11
grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
BENEFACTOR • $5,000
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2014 Patron Sponsors
12
$3,000
2014 Table Sponsors
$2,000
ATK Small Caliber Systems; Lake City
Army Ammunition Plant
Lester and Tammy Ham/
Dave and Geri Frantze
Blue Forest Development
Hartsook
Blue Springs School District
Henks Financial Group
BNIM Architects
HSMC Orizon
Ron and Caryl Bruch
J.E. Dunn Construction Company
Bryan Cave LLP
KC Auto Carstar
Cable-Dahmer Automotive Group
KCP&L
Cargo Largo
MCC - Blue River
Central Plains Cement/Talon Concrete
Meyer Music
Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Mid-Continent Public Library
City of Blue Springs
Midwest Trust
City of Grain Valley
Mike Martin Financial Group
City of Independence
Powerful Performance Solutions
City of Lee’s Summit
Prairie Capital Management, LLC
City of Raytown
Raytown Advisory Board
Cockerell and McIntosh Pediatrics
Jan Reding
Martha and Rich Cockerell
Republic Waste Services
Comcast
Rotary Club of Independence
Drumm Farm Center for Children
Rotary Club of Raytown
Elias, Opdahl & Bowen, DDS PC
Saint Luke’s East Hospital
Randall and Helen Ferguson
Norman and Darleen Swails
Gerald E. and Marcia E. Finke
Thomas McGee, L.C.
Graceland University
Brenda West/Dave and Shirley Wurth
Hallmark Cards
xpedx a Veritiv Company
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2014 Friend Sponsors
$500
Arvest Bank
Foster Dental Care
Melanie Moentmann
AFI
Chuck and Colleen Foudree
Roger and Kay Novak
Bank of Kansas City
Kenneth and Eleanor Frasier
Dwight and Carolyn Barnhard
Gallagher Metzler
Insurance Agency
Steven C. Krueger Legal
Services, LLC
BMO Harris Bank
candid marketing
+ communications
Kathryn and Michael Harvel
Gene and Joanne Cable
Carondelet Health
Heart of America Council,
Boy Scouts of America
Marty and Cindy Cavanah
Robert and Mary Hepting
Roberta Coker
Douglas and Dr. Sara Horn
Colliers International
Ivy Funds
Commerce Bank
Jackson County
Byron Constance and
Jane Taylor
David and Lydia Jeter
Country Club Bank
Lead Bank
CPros Inc.
Dave and Connie Mayta
Ron and Becky Eiman
MCC - Longview
Jon and Julia Ellis
MeraVic
Dana and Judy Forrester
Bruce and Tracey Mershon
Doug and Helen Hatridge
Stewart, Cook, Constance &
Minton, LLC
Sue Frank Insurance
Agency, Inc.
Dennis Taylor and
Dr. Bridget McCandless
Dr. Paul and
Marilyn Thomson
Cathy Tharp
Kurlbaum and Rinne, LLC
Lu and Carole Vaughan
Dennis Bacon of
WaterFront Wealth
Welch, Martin & Albano, LLC
Mark Foudree of
Wells Fargo Advisors
2014 Media Sponsors
LEE’S Connecting
SUMMIT
JOURNAL
your community
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Past Gala Honorees
1996
Blue Springs – Jim Moran
Independence – Roberta Coker
Kansas City – Rev. Wallace Hartsfield
Lake Lotawana – Paulla Martin
Lee’s Summit – Rev. Tom G. Haley
Raytown – Penny Hoffman
Sugar Creek – John C. "Jack" O’Renick
Grain Valley – Robert Gillette
Byron Constance, Humanitarian of
the Year
1997
Blue Springs – Olen Wilkinson
Independence – Paul Weston
Kansas City – Vernon Thompson
Lake Lotawana – Brenda Ferrell
Lee’s Summit – Mary Stacy
Raytown – Shirley & David Wurth
Sugar Creek – Nancy Kimak
Lone Jack – James Neece
Barbara J. Potts, Humanitarian of
the Year
1998
Blue Springs – Imelda Farmer
Independence – Steven E. Mauer
Kansas City – Mary Groves Bland
Lake Lotawana – Rodney Sommers
Lee’s Summit – John C. Graham, Sr.
Raytown – Judith L. Ness
Sugar Creek - John McEvoy
Greenwood – Dan Vansickle
David P. Ross, Humanitarian of
the Year
1999
Blue Springs – Carol Journagan
Independence – Lu Vaughan
Kansas City – Neighborhood Volunteers
Lake Lotawana – Barbara Robison
Lee’s Summit – Kay Ford
Raytown – Allen J. Brown
Sugar Creek – John Maglich
Grandview – Don Armacost, Jr.
Bob Reeds, Humanitarian of the Year
2000
Blue Springs – Pam Albarelli
and Lyle Shaver
Independence – Carl Mesle
Kansas City – Carolyn Vellar
Lake Lotawana – Howard Chamberlin
Lee’s Summit – Bud Hertzog
Raytown – Robert R. Sego
Sugar Creek – Charles Dumsky
Oak Grove – Brad and Fred Byam
Blue Ridge Bank & Trust,
Corporate Citizen Award
Chuck and Colleen Foudree,
Humanitarian of the Year
2001
Blue Springs – Derrick Warren
Grain Valley – Steve Gildehaus
Independence – Robert F. Glaser
Kansas City – Herman A. Johnson
Lake Lotawana – Dave Wagner
Lee’s Summit – Betty McNought
Raytown – Alyse Stoll
Sugar Creek – Lanard Toys
American Sterling Bank, Corporate
Citizen Award
Helen French, Humanitarian of
the Year
2002
Blue Springs – Diane Mack
Grain Valley – Kim Roam
Independence – Galen Boyer, Jr.
Kansas City – C. Patrick McLarney
Lee’s Summit – Mel Aytes
Raytown – Edna Scahill
Sugar Creek – Mark O’Renick
Jim Kidwell Construction, Corporate
Citizen Award
Allen Lefko, Humanitarian of the Year
2003
Blue Springs – Cindy Coburn
Grain Valley – Matt Farlin
Independence – Ken Johnston
Kansas City – Herbert M. Kohn
Lee’s Summit – Paula Belser
Raytown – Dr. Marlon Steinert
Sugar Creek – Alex Petrovic
Lone Jack – Howard E. Hensel
Commerce Bank, Corporate
Citizen Award
Dr. Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog,
Humanitarian of the Year
2004
Blue Springs – Larry Sparks
Grain Valley – Jan Reding
Independence – Larry Blick
Kansas City – Rev. Ralph J. Crabbe
Lee’s Summit – Phyllis Hamilton & Russ
Berlin
Raytown – Rosalie Vanzant
Sugar Creek – L. Earle Conner
Haldex, Corporate Citizen Award
Junior Service League of Independence,
Humanitarian of the Year
2005
Blue Springs – Louie Lamendola
Grain Valley – David Hackett
Independence – Dr. Bridget McCandless
Kansas City – E. Frank Ellis
Lee’s Summit – Gene Gamber
Raytown – Gary Knabe
Sugar Creek – Ron Rybarczyk
Meyer Music, Corporate Citizen Award
John Jordan, “Buck” O’Neil
Humanitarian of the Year
2006
Blue Springs – Lois Krueger
Grain Valley – Chuck Johnston
Independence – Glenn and Ada Betts
Kansas City – Mary Lou Jaramillo
Lake Winnebago – Robert Bennett
Lee’s Summit – Kathy Smith
Raytown – Al Maddox
Sugar Creek – Joe and Kathleen Woods
The EXAMINER, Corporate
Citizen Award
Dr. Frederick Hahn, Humanitarian of
the Year
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Past Gala Honorees
2007 – 25th Anniversary
2011
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, Silver
Legacy Award
Rick Henks, Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the
Year Award
Blue Springs – Rick Nelson & Jeanie Lauer
Grain Valley – Dr. Chris Small
Independence – Cynthia & Kenneth McClain
Lake Winnebago – Bob Mais
Lee’s Summit – Larry Stewart, posthumously
Oak Grove – Hollis Dyer
Raytown – John Ness
Sugar Creek – Robert Pinter & Barry Berislavich
2008
Blue Springs – Dr. Mark & Mrs. Cheryl Mozer
Grain Valley – Mary Strack
Independence – School Transition Team
Kansas City – Rev. John Modest Miles
Lake Winnebago – David Claycomb
Lee’s Summit – Geneva High
Oak Grove – Norby Corn
Raytown – Mike Aprill
Sugar Creek – Robert & Jake Welch
MeraVic, Corporate Citizen Award
Larry Moore, Humanitarian of the Year
2009
Blue Springs – Tom Evans
Grain Valley – Sharon Stewart
Independence – Nina & Ira Anders
Lake Winnebago – Jim McCambridge
Lee’s Summit – Mary Ann & Michael Paul Swisher
Oak Grove – Roy Meier
Raytown – Kenneth Blom
Sugar Creek – Veronica Powell
Data System International, Corporate Citizen Award
Dave Jeter & Jim Kidwell, Humanitarians of the Year
2010
Blue Springs – Art Phillips
Grain Valley – Dale and Sheila Arnold
Independence – Robert J. “Bob” Reeds
Lake Winnebago – Shirley Bond
Lee’s Summit – Jon Ellis and Vicky Cundiff
Oak Grove – Floyd and Frances Evans
Raytown – Kenneth Fleishmann and Kenneth Whisler
Sugar Creek – Jim Rittel and John Ryan
Bunk Farrington, Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the
Year Award
16
Centerpoint Medical Center, Corporate Citizen Award
John and Nancy Kimak, Humanitarians of the Year
Blue Springs – F. Mark Hissong and Steve Mokosak
Grain Valley – David “Scott” Hedger
Independence – Jerry Mackey
Lake Winnebago – Dr. Jim Elias
Lee’s Summit – Dr. Emmanuel Ngomsi
Oak Grove – Danny and Dottie Hughes
Raytown – Barbara and Ben Carmack
Sugar Creek – Robert and Debbie Ray
Rotary District 6040, Heartland Service Award
Gene and Joanne Cable, Heartland Humanitarians of
the Year
2012 – 30th Anniversary
Blue Springs – Eleanor Frasier
Grain Valley – Jeff Coleman
Independence – Bill Rogers
Lake Winnebago – Aldo Mariotti
Lee’s Summit – Susan Coffman
Raytown – Bob and Jodie Smith
Sugar Creek – Dennis Onka
Carol Sue Bass, Kyle Conway, Lloyd Uptegrove,
Carole Roper Park Vaughan and Luva Vaughan –
Founder’s Recognition
R. James Stilley, Jr., Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the
Year Award
Community of Christ, Community Partner Award
Dave and Shirley Wurth, Heartland Humanitarians of
the Year
2013
Blue Springs – The Honorable Steve Steiner, Dale Walkup
Grain Valley – Nancy Totton
Independence – The Honorable Jack Gant
Lake Winnebago – Mike Collar
Lee’s Summit – Christine Bushyhead
Raytown – Terry Landers
Sugar Creek – The Honorable Stan Salva
Cliff Jones, Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the
Year Award
Silverstein Eye Centers, Corporate Citizen of the Year
Dr. Bridget McCandless, Heartland Humanitarian of
the Year
2014 Special Thanks
The following individuals and local businesses provided generous support
for this year’s Toast To Our Towns gala.
DINNER WINE – Cosentino’s Price Chopper
Heartland Citizen Reception Hosts
Event Photography – Irene Baltrusaitis, David Remley
Invitation Design – Adam Forrester of Grape Design
PIANO DONATION – Meyer Music
Program & Event Coordination – Michael Lintecum & Associates
Table Centerpieces – Vicki Digby, MeraVic
Gala Committee
Melanie Moentmann, Event Chair
Judy Forrester
Liz McClure
Carol Sue Bass
Colleen Foudree
Mark Newcomer
Paul Broome
Eleanor Frasier
Shannon Sundberg
Martha Cockerell
Helen French
Eileen Weir
Roberta Coker
Phil Hanson
Brenda West
Vicki Digby
Kathryn Harvel
Shirley Wurth
Ron Finke
Joy Hobick
Truman Heartland Community Foundation:
Connecting dreams to promote private giving for the public good.
Truman Heartland Community Foundation has led philanthropy in Eastern Jackson County for more than 30 years
as a respected partner in charitable giving. Founded in 1982, THCF offers a wide range of services for donors and grant
seekers alike. THCF serves the needs in the region with more than 500 charitable funds ranging from $5,000 to $1.5
million, total assets exceeding $33 million and community grants surpassing $3.5 million annually.
The community foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is governed by a board of directors comprised of Eastern Jackson
County community leaders and has advisory councils representing Blue Springs/Grain Valley, Independence/Sugar
Creek, Lee’s Summit, Raytown and area youth.
Through a community foundation, donors can set up their own family foundations, scholarship funds, field of
interest funds, endowment funds, charitable gift annuities and many other charitable vehicles which utilize
shared resources of the foundation to maximize the tax benefit of their philanthropic dollars. In addition to donor
services, community foundations provide asset development for nonprofit organizations, are grant makers, assist
organizations in planned giving and serve as a community leader in addressing community issues.
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As a community leader, THCF actively serves Eastern Jackson
County by building relationships, being a catalyst for change and providing
assistance where needs are greatest. THCF makes a difference by:
Awarding
Community Grants
Awarding
Scholarships
Providing Donor Services
Donor Advised Funds,
Endowment Funds, Legacy
Planning, Scholarship Funds,
Charitable Gift Annuities
Providing
Planned Giving
Support
Facilitating a
Youth Advisory
Council
Leading Community
Initiatives
Providing
Nonprofit Asset
Community for All Ages
Coalition, Shared Care
Free Health Clinic
Development
Learn more about how Truman Heartland Community Foundation can serve you at THCF.org.
We invite you to join our family of more than 500 charitable giving funds.
4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 340 • Independence, MO 64057 • www.THCF.org • 816.836.8189