This year, our 31st Annual Gala will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center, supported by the returning Presenting Sponsor, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust. 

Each year, THCF recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations whose generosity, leadership, and commitment have made a significant difference across Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding region.

Our 2026 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.

2026 HEARTLAND AWARD HONOREES:

Humanitarian of the Year | Marty & Cindy Cavanah

Marty and Cindy Cavanah have made a lasting impact across Eastern Jackson County through both leadership and hands-on philanthropy. Cindy served on the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board of Directors from 2012 to 2020, where she led the Community for All Ages initiative—an effort that earned regional recognition for advancing livable communities for all generations. Cindy has also served on the board of directors of Community Services League, Drumm Farm, as well as other nonprofits in our region. 

Cindy’s parents, Gene and Joanne Cable, were recognized as our Humanitarians of the year in 2011, my 2^nd year at the Foundation.  Fifteen years later, it’s wonderful to recognize the impact the next generation of their family is making through their volunteer leadership and charitable giving. Marty and Cindy established the Cavanah Family Fund in 1996, and have been generously supporting organizations in our community for 30 years. And now Cindy serves as advisor to several charitable and scholarship funds established by her parents, Gene and Joanne Cable. This includes two scholarship funds, which expand educational opportunities for local students, including those pursuing careers in the trades through the Gene Cable Automotive Scholarship Fund. Marty’s father, Kenny, established an endowed fund through an estate gift in 2013 that continues to support several nonprofits in our community. So, charitable giving is a strong tradition on both sides of their family. Together, Marty and Cindy actively support a wide range of organizations—from youth programs and workforce initiatives to healthcare and community services—strengthening the region through thoughtful, sustained investment in people and opportunity.

Corporate Citizen of the Year | Cargo Largo 

For more than 65 years, Cargo Largo has been a cornerstone of the Independence community, growing from a family business into a major regional employer with nearly 500 team members. Under the leadership of Dee and Joyce Pack, the company has expanded its impact beyond business through a deep commitment to community support.

Through its Cargo for Kids initiative, Cargo Largo has helped provide more than 10,000 students with backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials—ensuring children in need are prepared to learn and succeed. Each year, employees and community volunteers come together to support this effort, directly benefiting hundreds of local students.

Cargo Largo’s continued growth, community investment, and long-standing support of local initiatives will be recognized through this award. Their commitment to our community is a model that is greatly appreciated and worthy of celebration. 

Heartland Service Award | Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity

For decades, Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity has been a driving force in expanding access to safe, affordable housing across Eastern Jackson County. Through affordable homeownership, critical home repairs, and weatherization services, the organization helps families build stability and long-term opportunity.

Partnering with future homeowners, volunteers, and community supporters, Habitat empowers families to invest in their own success—often contributing sweat equity as they build or rehabilitate their homes. Its H.O.P.E. education program further prepares homeowners for long-term financial and housing stability.

With additional support from its network of local ReStores, Habitat reinvests community donations directly into housing solutions—strengthening neighborhoods and creating lasting impact for families throughout the region.

Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year | JC Ganote, Beyond Wealth Advisors

JC Ganote of Beyond Wealth Advisors is a trusted financial professional known for helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.  A number of his clients have established charitable funds with our Foundation, and it has been our pleasure to work with JC and his clients to achieve their charitable giving goals. With nearly two decades of experience, JC provides personalized strategies in financial planning, asset management, charitable giving, and estate preservation—ensuring clients are prepared not only for today, but for the successful transfer of assets to future generations 

He is especially valued for the time he invests in understanding each client’s goals, guiding them through important decisions that can protect families and avoid unnecessary costs. Beyond his professional work, JC is an active community member, serving as treasurer of his local church and supporting causes that strengthen families and communities.

GALA PLANNING IS UNDERWAY:

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. These awards will highlight individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and leadership at the local level. Stay tuned this summer for more information about the Citizens honored by our Mayors. 

We look forward to celebrating all of this year’s honorees at our September 19^th Toast to Our Towns Gala and hope you will join us at this community celebration. Sponsorships, tables, and individual tickets are available now. For more information about the Gala or to make reservations, please visit www.thcf.org/gala.

Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a public charity committed to improving area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. Founded in 1982, THCF serves individuals who, through their private giving, wish to support the public good in the most tax-wise and effective manner. Through THCF, donors can set up their own family foundations, scholarship funds, field of interest funds, endowment funds, charitable gift annuities, and many other charitable vehicles that utilize the foundation’s shared resources to maximize the impact of their philanthropic dollars. In addition to donor services, THCF provides asset development for nonprofit organizations, offers competitive grant opportunities to nonprofits, assists organizations in planned giving, and serves as a change leader in addressing community issues. For more information, visit www.thcf.org or call 816-836-8189.

###