This is always a fun time of year when we have the privilege of announcing our honorees for the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF Toast to Our Towns Gala. This year, our 30^th Annual Gala will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. 

Our 2025 honorees embody the spirit of philanthropy, service, and resilience that strengthens our communities.  We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions and the positive impact they continue to make in our region.

The 2025 Toast to Our Towns Gala Honorees are:

Humanitarian of the Year – Michele Shanahan DeMoss

After the tragic loss of her 11-year-old daughter, Blair, who was killed by a stray bullet from celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July, Michele became a tireless advocate for public safety. She successfully championed "Blair’s Law," which criminalizes reckless celebratory gunfire in Missouri. Michele is also the founder of Blair’s Foster Socks, a nonprofit supporting children in foster care, and operates a small business in Independence. Her work is a powerful example of transforming personal loss into lasting impact for others.

Corporate Citizen of the Year – Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal

With nearly a century of service in the Kansas City area, Cornell Roofing exemplifies community leadership through its support of local nonprofits, educational scholarships, and initiatives like Englewood Arts and Habitat for Humanity. Under the leadership of Mary McNamara, an industry trailblazer, Cornell continues to make a lasting difference.

Heartland Service Award – Metropolitan Community College (MCC)

For over 100 years, MCC has provided accessible education while leading workforce development and civic engagement efforts throughout the region. The college has empowered tens of thousands of students—many of them first-generation college attendees—to achieve academic success and secure meaningful employment. Through initiatives like the Job Skills Initiative, the Path Forward Capital Campaign, and the Civic Action Plan, MCC’s commitment to students, community growth, and regional leadership has left a transformative legacy.

In addition to celebrating these exceptional honorees, the Gala will also recognize Citizens of the Year selected by the mayors of Eastern Jackson County municipalities—highlighting individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and leadership at the local level. Stay tuned this summer for more information about the Citizen’s honored by our Mayors. 

With the Presenting Sponsor of Blue Ridge Bank and Trust, proceeds from the Toast to Our Towns Gala support Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s work in promoting private giving for the public good, including initiatives in education, workforce development, and community betterment. 

Sponsorships, tables, and individual tickets are available now. For more information about the Gala or to make reservations, please visit www.thcf.org/gala.