Celebrating a legacy of giving, leadership, and service across Eastern Jackson County

Heartland Awards

At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of philanthropy.  Nominated by our Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board, our Heartland Awards honor individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose tireless efforts uplift our region—championing education, community wellbeing, and opportunity for all. 

The nominees are honored annually at the Toast to our Towns Gala, as we Celebrate Philanthropy throughout the Eastern Jackson County region and beyond.

View Past Honorees

Meet the 2025 Heartland Nominees

2025 Humanitarian 

Michele Shanahan DeMoss
A lifelong philanthropist, Michele Shanahan DeMoss has always made caring for others a family priority. Through the vision of her daughter Blair at age 11, she founded Blair’s Foster Socks to support underserved children throughout the community. This mission expanded greatly after the tragic loss of her Blair to celebratory gunfire in 2011. Michele also became a relentless advocate for public safety and successfully championed Blair’s Law that passed in Missouri in 2024, criminalizing reckless celebratory gunfire and protecting future generations.

2025 Corporate Citizen

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal
With nearly a century of operations in Kansas City, Cornell Roofing supports local nonprofits, educational scholarships, and community development—evident in projects like Englewood Arts and Habitat for Humanity. Led by breast cancer survivor Mary McNamara, the company continues its legacy of service.

2025 Heartland Service Award

Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
For more than 100 years, MCC has empowered tens of thousands of students—many first-generation—to graduate and thrive. Through initiatives like their Scholarship Program, partnership with Truman Heartland in their Job Skills Program, as well as the Path Forward Capital Campaign and Civic Action Plan, MCC remains a beacon of workforce and educational leadership in our region.

View past honorees

Heartland Awards History: Celebrating Philanthropy Since 1996

The Heartland Awards showcase the inspiring people and organizations shaping our community. Their stories encourage others to engage, volunteer, and donate—helping us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and caring region.  Each year, the THCF Board of Directors selects honorees in the following categories, reflecting the breadth and depth of community impact:

Humanitarians of the Year

The Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals or couples whose impactful charitable giving and volunteerism enhance the wellbeing of our region.

Corporate Citizens of the Year

The Corporate Citizens Award highlights businesses that demonstrate extraordinary community leadership, support for nonprofits, and a culture of giving.

Heartland Service Awards

The Heartland Service Award honors organizations that advance civic engagement, educational opportunity, and collective progress.

Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year

The Professional Advisor of the Year Award honors financial advisors who encourage philanthropic strategies and help clients support public good through planned giving.

Interested in Supporting the Gala?

Heartland Awards are presented each year at our Toast to Our Towns Gala, attended by over 700 community leaders, fundholders, and philanthropic partners. For more information about sponsorship, tickets, or the gala, visit our Annual Gala page.