At online ‘toast’, Truman Heartland will honor those who embody spirit of giving

Each year, your Community Foundation has the privilege of recognizing individuals and organizations that have made a significant philanthropic impact in Eastern Jackson County at our Toast to Our Towns Gala.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event and on Sept. 26, we will host a gala like no other in our organization’s history. Presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union, this year’s Toast to Our Towns Gala will be delivered live through a dynamic online celebration.

The one-hour celebration of philanthropy, which will start at 7 p.m., will be broadcast to more than 40 different watch parties throughout the region. During the event, we will recognize Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams as our Heartland Humanitarians of the Year, Speaks Chapels as our Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year, Junior Service League of Independence will receive our Heartland Service Award and Adam Kliethermes will receive the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Award.

Our 2020 Heartland Humanitarians of the Year, Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams, have worked across sectors to drive community initiatives in Independence and across the region for more than 30 years. Schondelmeyer, a journalist and well-known local historian, is the deputy director of the Local Investment Commission and oversees programs that help strengthen older and low-income neighborhoods throughout Eastern Jackson County. Williams retired as library director at Graceland University and is an advocate for public health initiatives.

Together, Schondelmeyer and Williams advocate for historic preservation and civic improvements and contribute to the community by working behind the scenes with several nonprofits and on local initiatives. Williams is a past president of Health Sciences Library Network of Kansas City and led local efforts for the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. Schondelmeyer is a leader at First Christian Church of Independence and a current trustee and past president of the voard of Mid-Continent Public Library.

Speaks Chapels is our 2020 Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year.

A third-generation family-owned funeral provider, Speaks Chapels has been serving the Eastern Jackson County community for more than 80 years. Under the leadership of President and CEO Brad Speaks, Speaks Chapels supports the community during times of grief and through their commitment to philanthropy. Speaks Chapels’ employees are active volunteers, many serving on the boards of area nonprofits. Additionally, the company lends financial support to nonprofits throughout the region and to community projects, like the Independence Uptown Market and Harry S. Truman Library and Museum renovations.

Celebrating 75 years of continuous service to the community in 2020, Junior Service League of Independence is receiving our Heartland Service Award. An organization of dedicated women who have a passion for community leadership, service to others and personal growth, JSL has been connecting and empowering women to positively impact the community through service since 1945. From advocating for arts education and women’s healthcare to leading volunteer programs and historic preservation projects, the women of JSL have provided countless volunteer hours and significant financial contributions that have shaped the fabric of Independence and the greater Eastern Jackson County community.

Adam Kliethermes is our Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year. A second-generation Investment Advisor for Edward Jones, Kliethermes brings a unique perspective for financial planning. Kliethermes earned a master’s of accountancy and JD from the University of Missouri and joined Edward Jones in 2011. Having grown up in the business and community he serves, Kliethermes has a distinct ability to develop strategies that serve his clients and the community.

The past chair of Truman Heartland’s Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board, Kliethermes played an important role in expanding the Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor network.

These honorees embody the spirit of giving in Eastern Jackson County and are a special example of what a community can achieve when people work together for a greater cause.

Stay tuned for our official announcement of the 2020 Citizens of the Year, chosen by our area mayors. You can find more information about this year’s honorees, plans for the online event and how you can sponsor a watch party and join in the celebration on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at www.thcf.org/Gala.

Phil Hanson is the president and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816-836-8189.