Toast to Our Towns Logo

Each year, Truman Heartland Community Foundation recognizes individuals whose generosity in charitable giving and volunteerism tremendously impacts the region we serve. We are privileged to recognize those whose philanthropy makes our community a better place to live, work, and serve.

2023 Humanitarian of the Year

LaShawn Walker

LaShawn Walker - Founder of Suburban Balance
LaShawn Walker - Founder of Suburban Balance

LaShawn Walker is the Founder, President, and CEO of Suburban Balance. This nonprofit family organization provides educational and cultural opportunities to suburban children of color to help them experience a well-balanced life. LaShawn founded Suburban Balance in 2012, and to date, more than 400 families from Missouri & Kansas have joined the organization.

LaShawn and her family have resided in the suburban community of Lee’s Summit for the past 18 years. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 26 years and has one son and a granddaughter. In her “free” time, LaShawn enjoys reading, landscaping, spending time with family, volunteering, and mentoring young women and girls.


Sponsorship is a great way to get your business in front of 700+ of the community's most generous people.

Past Recipients

2022 - Joan and Steve Israelite

2021 – Jim and Mary Stilley

2020 – Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams

2019 – Tom and Carman Duvall

2018 – Robert (Bob) F. Glaser

2017 – Brad and Sandy Cox

2016 – Terry and Betty Snapp

2015 – Mike and Jan McGraw

2014 – Norman Swails

2013 – Dr. Bridget McCandless

2012 – Dave and Shirley Wurth

2011 – Gene and Joanne Cable

2010 – John and Nancy Kimak

2009 – Dave Jeter and Jim Kidwell

2008 – Larry Moore

2007 – Silver Legacy Award, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

2006 – Dr. Frederick Hahn

2005 – John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil

2004 – Junior Service League of Independence

2003 – Dr. Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog

2002 – Allen Lefko

2001 – Helen French

2000 – Chuck and Colleen Foudree

1999 – Bob Reeds

1998 – David P. Ross

1997 – Barbara J. Potts

1996 – Byron Constance

2022 Cocktail Reception
2022 Toast to Our Towns Cocktail Reception - Sponsored by Truckmovers.com