Thank you for celebrating
The 30th Annual Toast to our Towns Gala 2025
We were honored to recognize Citizens of the Year from across 7 Eastern Jackson County towns, as well as 3 Heartland Award Recipients for their contributions to our community. September 20, 2025
a celebration of philanthropy
Save the Date: The 2026 Toast to our Towns Gala
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | The Sheraton Crown Center Hotel, Kansas City, MO
Celebrating Exceptional Philanthropy
2025 Honorees
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 |
Citizens of the Year are nominated from across the Eastern Jackson County region. 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 VanBuskirk |
| Oak Grove | Mayor Dana Webb | Michelle Alexander |
| Raytown | Mayor Mike McDonough | Dave Thurman |
| Sugar Creek | Mayor Mike Larson | Krystal Thompson |
30th Annual Toast to our towns
Thank You 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.
PRESENting sponsor BLUE RIDGE BANK AND TRUST
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.
Photo Gallery
Stroll Down Memory Lane
Enjoy the views into the private Citizen's Receptions, Cocktail Receptions and Gala from past years!
2025 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 champaGNe 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
Master of Ceremonies
Nikki Vivas, the Ponch & Nikki Show
Nikki Vivas is a multifaceted media personality known for her vivacious and engaging presence on both television and radio. She is one half of “The Ponch and Nikki Show” and also a syndicated radio talent in other markets.
A Blue Springs native, Nikki began her media career in 2006 pushing boundaries and empowering women along the way. Nikki has supported various local organizations and emceed events all over! She is a passionate advocate for the American Heart Association, Wayside Waifs and believes in the power of speaking life into women! Follow her @missvivas on Instagram or @PonchandNikki on Facebook.