a celebration of philanthropy

2025 Toast to our Towns Gala

Saturday, September 20, 2025 | The Westin Crown Center Hotel, Kansas City, MO

30th Annual Toast to our towns

Join Us for a Night of Celebration and Community Impact

For 30 years, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Toast to Our Towns Gala has been the premier event celebrating the people and organizations shaping a brighter future for Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette County.

This unforgettable evening brings together 700+ community leaders, philanthropists, businesses, and friends to honor extraordinary service, exceptional generosity, and transformational leadership in our communities.

This year, we’re taking the celebration to a NEW LOCATION!
📍 The Westin Crown Center Hotel | 1 East Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO

PRESENTED BY BLUE RIDGE BANK AND TRUST

Join the 30th Annual!

Secure Your Table or Tickets Now

This signature event sells out quickly! Don’t miss your chance to connect, celebrate, and make an impact.

EVENT TIMELINE

5:30 PM | Cocktail Reception

Start the evening with an elegant cocktail hour featuring passed wine, complimentary drinks, and time to relax. This is your opportunity to network with business leaders, community champions, and like-minded philanthropists.

Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Truckmovers

a celebration of philanthropy

7:00 PM | Dinner & Awards Program

Gather for a champaign toast and seated dinner, and be inspired as we recognize this year’s Heartland Honorees and the Citizens of the Year. Hear their incredible stories of service, leadership, and local impact.

30th anniversary champaign toast sponsored by cornell roofing & sheet metal

2 proud 2 beg

9:00 PM | Mix, Mingle & Music After Party

Don’t rush home—our after party is just getting started! Enjoy live entertainment by 2 Proud 2 Beg, as you dance and celebrate with fellow guests to celebrate the evening.

After Party Sponsored by Speaks Chapels

Established 1985

About our Annual Toast to our Towns Gala

For 30 years, Truman Heartland Community Foundation has gathered annually to honor and recognize exemplary service from individuals, corporate citizens, organizations, and financial advisors throughout our community. These groups are nominated by our Board and stakeholders throughout our Truman Heartland Family of fundholders, donors and committee members. It is our honor to recognize and celebrate their contributions throughout the event, with 700 of our closest friends and donors.

Celebrating Exceptional Philanthropy

2025 Heartland Awards

Heartland Award Honorees are nominated by Truman Heartland stakeholders and selected by the THCF Board. Join us as we award honorees for community impact in the following categories:

 

Recognizing Community Impact

2025 Citizens of the Year Awards

Across Eastern Jackson County communities, the Mayors of each town nominate their Citizen of the Year to be recognized on behalf of their community. These nominees are celebrated with a private Citizen's Reception prior to the Gala, as well as on stage during the Gala.  

REPRESENTINGNOMINATED BY 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Blue Springs Mayor Chris LievsayBrad Batz
Grain ValleyMayor Mike ToddJerry Vaughn
IndependenceMayor Rory RowlandGerry Winship
Lee’s SummitMayor Bill BairdMichael Van Buskirk
Oak GroveMayor Dana WebbMichelle Alexander
RaytownMayor Mike McDonoughDave Thurman
Sugar CreekMayor Mike LarsonKrystal Thompson