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
PRESENting sponsor 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 Speaks Chapels
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 Truckmovers
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.
| 2025 Heartland Awards | |
| Humanitarian of the Year | Michele Shanahan DeMoss |
| Corporate Citizen of the Year | Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal |
| Heartland Service Award | Metropolitan Community College |
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.
| REPRESENTING | NOMINATED BY | 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Springs | Mayor Chris Lievsay | Brad Batz |
| Grain Valley | Mayor Mike Todd | Jerry Vaughan |
| Independence | Mayor Rory Rowland | Gerry Winship |
| Lee’s Summit | Mayor Bill Baird | Michael Van Buskirk |
| Oak Grove | Mayor Dana Webb | Michelle Alexander |
| Raytown | Mayor Mike McDonough | Dave Thurman |
| Sugar Creek | Mayor Mike Larson | Krystal Thompson |