Love = Leaders
Last year’s inaugural Leading with Love gala benefiting the Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy (KCGPA) was held on what I referred to as an otherwise sleepy Thursday. This year, the event spectacular moved to Friday night primetime where it likely always belonged. Held again at the stunning Loews Kansas City Hotel, I walked there this year with a much firmer understanding of KCGPA’s mission and power.
For a refresh, KCGPA is the state’s first and only tuition-free, open-enrollment, single-gender, public charter school. Located on Kansas City’s east side, the school is intentionally situated amid the highest rates of poverty and unmet demand for performing school seats. The academy is led by a mission to prepare young women—particularly black and brown women—to use their voices, to succeed in college, and to lead impactful, meaningful lives.
Former KC news anchor Dia Wall returned from her new home in Dallas to emcee the special event and celebrate the school’s sixth year of operation. In the most touching portion of the evening, Dia introduced Kei’Mauri and her mother, Gloria. Together, they shared a heartfelt story of discovering and experiencing KCGPA.
As Gloria put it, “Bouncing from hotel to hotel, even for a short period of time can be hard. But I always knew through our journey that I was a good mother who had run into a bad set of circumstances. That’s life sometimes, and life happens. I also knew that I was resourceful enough to get myself into a home, get my kids into school, and I never once doubted we’d be ok.”
Late one night, on her way home from work, Gloria heard a KCGPA advertisement on the radio. Soon she made plans to enroll both daughters at KCGPA. She said of her daughter Kei’Mauri, “She talked about how she was able to fit in from the first moment she met the girls at KCGPA. Do you know, as a mother, how good it feels to say that? To know that I made a decision that ended up with my child at a school that understood her, brought out the best in her, cared for her, and most importantly—loved her. A school that wasn’t just judging me, or my life, or my decisions, but instead was helping me do everything I could to turn out this magnificent daughter you see before you.” At this point, guests surrounding me were audibly sobbing.
Kei’Mauri’s journey with KCGPA is but one of hundreds, where mothers, daughters, and families experience the transformational power of a thoughtful education. Inspired by this family’s story and more, KCGPA exceeded last year’s fundraising total at nearly $1.4 million.
Congratulations on a tremendous evening to KCGPA founder and chair Christine Kemper and event co-chairs Kim & Nikki Newton, Ellen & Eli Bresky, and Teri Miller & Julie Quirin. When we invest in our city’s daughters, we invest in the future of our community.
Spotted: Sandy Kemper, Maurice Watson, Heather Pluard, Regina Nouhan, Debby Ballard, Lynn Carlton, Gloria Rudd, Missy & Bill Love, Holly Post, Troy Lillebo, Brian Ellison, Melanie & Chip Miller, Peg VanWagoner, Sheryll Myers, Lorece Chanelle, Amy & John Felton
Hot Gossip: What elevator-riding sister duo was mistaken for mother and daughter?
Theater Under the Stars
I am grateful for a recent invitation to Starlight Theatre to see the final performance of the acclaimed Broadway show, Come From Away. It’s the remarkable true story of how 7,000 airline passengers were stranded in a tiny town in Canada after 38 planes were unexpectedly re-routed there as the events of 9/11 unfolded.
Despite a bit of rain, my attention was captivated. Frustrated, long delayed, and confused passengers land in an unknown place and turn their attention to the airport TVs broadcasting the tragic news. As they watched, in shock and horror, an actual airplane roared across the Swope Park sky. It was a moment so eerie and triggering that I was unexpectedly teleported back to the moment I’ll always remember—when I also learned what had happened on that day. Errant tears streamed down my face. It was an emotional occurrence that only live theater under the stars could manifest.
Prior to the show, I met with the Starlight Theatre president and CEO (and my friend), Lindsey Rood-Clifford, who overviewed Starlight’s ambitious 75th Anniversary $40 million capital campaign and proposed campus improvements. Most notably, a performance shell will cover a large portion of the audience. There will also be a new production truss and light bridge, restrooms, and kitchen. Finally, the plans include expanded community programming and education.
Like the show’s Gander, Newfoundland, location, Starlight is also a place for coming together. In fact, more than a quarter million people visit each year, including hundreds of volunteers who provide thousands of service hours. It is a special place for connecting the community via live arts experiences that inspire and engage. Starlight shows are among the highlights of my year. I can’t wait to enjoy them with a bit more shade and fewer raindrops.
Overheard: “A linen blazer in September? How brave.”
Champagne SuperNOVA
“You are cordially invited… to the debut of a new star.” These were the excitement-piquing words on my invitation to this year’s Symphony Ball, organized by the Symphony League and benefiting the Kansas City Symphony. This year’s ball was adroitly led by the chair, Barbara Haviland and honorary chairs, Linda & Paul DeBruce.
That bright burning star is, of course, Matthias Pintscher, the symphony’s new music director. Matthias is a German-born conductor and composer—a leading light in Europe, who recently arrived in Kansas City from his previous music director position in Paris. He’s the recipient of many prestigious awards and has been on the composition faculty at the Juilliard School for the past ten years. I was flattered by the opportunity to speak with our new maestro and was thoroughly impressed by his unbridled joy, soothing energy, and ambitious plans for the future.
Following hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage, inside the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, we progressed next door to Helzberg Hall for Maestro Pintscher’s debut performance, launching a new era for the symphony. Matthias’s vigor and enthusiasm was infectious—not only for the audience, but seemingly for the orchestra itself.
Over a terrific dinner, I had the most engaging conversation with my seatmate, Jackson County Prosecutor candidate Melesa Johnson. I eagerly shared my observations as a proud (but occasionally frustrated) downtown resident, and Melesa spoke extensively and thoughtfully about creative opportunities for addressing the thornier issues affecting our city. When people talk about candidates they’d have a beer with, I ask—does sparkling champagne count?
Yes, there actually was sparkling champagne. Waiters made the rounds with pours for the celebratory toast. Hidden at the bottom of each flute was a pinch of edible glitter that turned every glass into a different glittery shade of the rainbow. It was a fitting aurora borealis of bubbles.
As we clanked our glasses, fireworks exploded above us. I’ve experienced countless balls inside the Kauffman Center, but never while entirely enveloped in fireworks. The suspended glass shell offered protection as we were, quite literally, inside the fireworks display itself. It was an absolutely breathtaking experience, and one fitting for, yes, our new star.
Spotted: Mayor Quinton Lucas, Shirley Helzberg, Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller, Marny Sherman, Christy & Bill Gautreaux, Melanie Fenske, Edward Milbank, Sharon & John Hoffman, Jackie & John Middelkamp, Marylou Turner, Rachael & Nelson Sabates, Amy & David Embry, Karen & Dr. John Yungmeyer, Peggy & Andrew Beal, Pam & Robert Bruce, Robin & Scott Boswell, Graham Boswell, Don Loncasty & Charles Bruffy, Julie Anderson Clark & Vince Clark, Kim Klein & Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Gina & Charlie Penner, Jackie Reses, Morgan Said, Pamela & Irvin Bishop, Chadwick Brooks, Nicki & Myron Wang, Julie & Mike McCann, Mary Leonida, Tricia Scott, Michele Hamlett-Weith, Katherine Schorgl
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Wine & Roses
As somehow always manages to transpire, the weather was perfect for the Kansas City Rose Society’s annual Wine & Roses event at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park. Taylor Smith and Dr. Mark Gilmore co-chaired another gorgeous iteration of this event I look forward to each year. For me, it serves as the official “close of summer” party.
The elegant evening’s rose-inspired festivities included passed hors d’oeuvres, an Underdog Wine Co. wine bar, and vibrant alfresco conversation. The UMKC Conservatory Graduate String Quartet provided a harmonious backdrop for this garden revelry. Oh, and did I mention this year’s honorary chair, the legendary actress Morgan Fairchild?
Wine & Roses is the primary source of funds for the Rose Society, allowing continued care for the 1.5-acre garden that boasts more than 3,000 rose bushes in 130 varieties. This past year, volunteers clocked in 1,300 hours of careful grooming and tending of these delicate florals. This year’s event also officially kicked off the Save the Pillars campaign. Encircling the garden are beautiful limestone-columned pergolas. After withstanding our often-harsh midwestern weather for roughly 80 years, all 64 pillars require restoration. Unfortunately, this comes with a million-dollar price tag. Work will soon begin on the pillars requiring the most urgent attention. The goal is to have all restored by 2026, fundraising dependent.
How can you help? If your pockets are deep, why not sponsor a column? If not (understandably), there are other avenues. For as little as $30, you can donate a rose bush commemorating someone special. It’s a beautiful gesture of recognition—be it a birthday, Mother’s Day, anniversary, etc.
On a personal note—one of my very best friends suddenly lost his mother just a month ago. Not sure how to honor her appropriately, I reached out to other mutual friends and suggested a full rose bed in her memory. With generosity that exceeded my imagination, we commemorated her life with two rose beds. I humbly offer this as a suggestion for the next time you’re perplexed about what to get a person who appears to have everything, or you’re just out of ideas. You might consider a lasting tribute with roses. It’s a gift that lives on and can be enjoyed not only by the recipient, but by a grateful community at large.
Spotted: Heather Paxton, Joe Vaughan, Carmen Sabates, Deanna Deiboldt, Frances Baszta, Liesl McLiney, Heidi Peter, Betsy Parker, Nancy & Bruce Schall, Terry Anderson & Michael Henry, John Rufenacht & Richard Lara, Sidonie Garrett, John Rensenhouse, Jan Kyle, Rachel Sexton, Tom Mentzer, Kenneth Sherman, Nicholette Haigler, Karla Deel, George Embry, Meredith & Anthony Durone, Kayleigh & Jason Aytes, Kelly & Chad Esslinger, Katherine & Billy Taylor
Overheard: “I heard he joined the circus.”
So, KC—where do you want to go? XO
email: dlair@inkansascity.com | Instagram: @damianlair #OurManINKC