Lots of smiles and a few tears of happiness were evident Jan. 19 as 2016 Harvest Ball Society President Jan Kauk presented checks totaling $316,500 (including an impact fee) to 22 area nonprofit organizations. HBS members raised the funds by hosting two annual events: Adorn Style Show in September and the Harvest Ball in November. Since 1987, nearly $7.8 million in grants have given to organizations that primarily serve people in need in the Northland.

 

Celebrating 30 years, the Harvest Ball Society responds to the most urgent needs in the Northland community and support programs for those who are most vulnerable, explained Kauk. “As this year’s president, I have been honored to work closely with our visionary board and dedicated members, as well as our generous donors and very deserving charitable partners. Together, we have embarked on strategic planning process that will shape our future for the next 30 years.”
 

Nonprofits that received HBS funding are:

 

1. Assistance League of Kansas City

2. Concerned Care

3. Feed Northland Kids 

4. Girls on the Run serving Greater Kansas City

5. Hillcrest Hope in Liberty

6. Hillside Opening Possibilities for Everyone (Hope.wrx)

7. Love, Inc. of Clay County

8. Meals on Wheels of Liberty

9. Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries

10. Miles of Smiles

11. Northland Assistance Center

12. Northland Christmas Store

13. Northland Neighborhoods

14. Northland Healthcare Access

15. Northland Meals on Wheels

16. Platte County Senior Services

17. Shepherds Center of the Northland

18. Synergy Services

19. St. Charles Parish (food pantry)

20. Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center

21. The Farmers House
22. Tri-County Mental Health Services

 

:: VIEW OUR CHARITIES

According to Ingram’s Magazine, the best of Business Kansas City 2016 awards come from the most discriminating audience in the Kansas City region weighs in each year with ballots to vote on best places to eat, shop, purchase a car to non-profit fundraising events. This year, Harvest Ball Society took Bronze for the Harvest Ball. This year’s president Jan Kauk received the award.

Heat up the summer with Friends of HBS, a new group affiliated with Harvest Ball Society, a 30-year nonprofit organization devoted to raising funds for charities located primarily in the Northland. 

The kick-off event is Thursday, June 9, on the Trezo Mare Patio, 4105 N. Mulberry Dr. in Briarcliff Village. From 5 to 7 p.m., Friends of HBS organizers will share their goals about being a fun, informative and social group that will meet periodically for networking events and hands-on community involvement. The goals include building awareness and increasing support for the Harvest Ball Society and recruiting future HBS leaders. 

A $20 ticket includes an adult beverage (house wine or domestic beer), free appetizers and a chance to win some spectacular prizes! Tickets for the event can be found at: www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-hbs-kick-off-trezo-mare-tickets-25137665434?ref=esfb Map.

In 2016, the Harvest Ball Society is pleased to announce its partnership with 22 charities committed to improving the lives of those in need in the Northland.

“The need in the Northland grows each year,” said President Jan Kauk. “By linking arms with our charity partners, our reach extends even further. Through these collective efforts, we impact more people in our community.

“Based on a needs assessment in the Northland, our focus for 2016 is charities that address food insufficiency and shelter, as well as critical gaps of service related to healthcare access and mental health services. Harvest Ball Society member education and volunteerism also will focus on these areas throughout the remainder of the year,” Kauk added.

 These 22 area nonprofit organizations will benefit from the work of the Harvest Ball Society, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016. To raise funds, members will host two events: the Adorn Style Show on September 17 and the Harvest Ball on November 19. Both events are held in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City. 

The nonprofit organizations that will receive funding are:

• Assistance League of Kansas City

• Concerned Care, Inc.

• The Farmer's House

• Feed Northland Kids

• Girls on the Run serving Greater Kansas City

• Hillcrest Hope Transitional Housing and Support

• HOPE.wrx (Hillside Opening Possibilities for Everyone)

• Love INC of Clay County

• Meals on Wheels of Liberty

• Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry

• Miles of Smiles, Inc.

• Northland Assistance Center

• Northland Christmas Store

• Northland Healthcare Access

• Northland Meals on Wheels

• Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.

• Platte County Senior Services

• Shepherd's Center of the Northland

• Synergy Services

• St. Charles Food Pantry

• Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center

• Tri-County Mental Health Services

 

Since 1987, nearly $7.5 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve people in need in the Northland. For descriptions of each nonprofit, as well as information about the Adorn Style Show and the Harvest Ball, visit: http://harvestballsociety.org/.

There were smiles and handshakes all around as 2015 Harvest Ball Society President Christine Evans presented checks totaling $404,100 to 30 area nonprofit organizations Jan. 19 at Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa. HBS members raised the funds by hosting two annual events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch in September and the Harvest Ball in November. Since 1987, $7.8 million in grants have been distributed to organizations that primarily serve people in need in the Northland.

“Our theme for 2015 was Cultivating Philanthropy to Create a Thriving Northland,” explained Evans. “The 30 charities selected to receive funding in 2015 have a life-changing impact on many in need – from the very young to those at the very end of life. HBS is honored to be a small part of all they accomplish.”

Nonprofits that received HBS funding are:

• Alphapointe Association for the Blind

• Angel Flight Central

• Assistance League of Kansas City

• Autism Works, Inc.

• Carolyn's Pennies

• Children’s Mercy

• Clay County Clothes Closet

• Concerned Care, Inc.

• The Family Conservancy

• The Farmer’s House

• Good Samaritan Center of Excelsior Springs

• Harvesters – The Community Food Network

• Hillcrest Hope Transitional Housing and Support

• HOPE.wrx

• Miles of Smiles, Inc.

• MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)

• NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care

• Northland Assistance Center

• Northland Christmas Store

• Northland Early Education Center

• Northland Health Care Access

• Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.

• Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.

• Northland Shepherd’s Center

• Platte Senior Services, Inc.

• The Salvation Army Northland

• Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center

• St. Charles Food Pantry

• Synergy Services, Inc.

• Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.

 

Visit our charities section for descriptions of each nonprofit and a link to the online grant application for 2016. The deadline is March 2 at 5 p.m. Recipients will be announced in April.

With a theme of “Timeless Beauty,” the 2015 Adorn Style Show & Brunch was a fabulous day fusing fashion, fun and philanthropy! Emcee Michelle Davidson, host of KSHB-TV’s Kansas City Live, welcomed more than 600 guests attending the event held September 19 in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall.

The high-energy style show, hosted by the Harvest Ball Society, featured the latest clothing from some of the Kansas City area’s finest boutiques, as well as exciting creations from emerging designers. They included: Alaskan Fur, Alicia Janesko Caftans & Resort Wear, Alysa Rene Boutique, Amelia’s, Croquet, CW Boutique, Design in the City, Dillard’s, Finishings For Her, Gown Gallery, La~de~da and Tip Top Tux.

Before and after the show, guests browsed the Avenue of Shops, buying fashions from exclusive boutiques and local merchants. Guests also enjoyed a tasty brunch and decadent cupcake desserts.

Legacy Sponsors for Adorn were Saint Luke’s North Hospital, Senior Star at Wexford Place and Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support by Senior Star. Haute Couture sponsor was Landers’ Visions, LLC; Glitterati Sponsor was HERLIFE Magazine; and Bijoux Sponsors were GreenTie.com Internet Marketing and Kendra Scott Jewelry.

“Proceeds from the Adorn Style Show & Brunch help the Harvest Ball Society fund grants to 30 local charities that primarily serve people in need in the Northland,” said Christine Evans, 2015 president of the Harvest Ball Society. “I’d like to thank our Adorn sponsors and guests who made a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families served by those charities.”

Want a definition of a multi-tasker? Spend some time with Chris Evans. Perhaps, in this day of myriad ways of instant communication juggling several balls in the air at the same time is an option available to everyone. But not everyone is so successful.

Chris is the 2015 president of the Harvest Ball Society AND is the Executive Director of Feed Northland Kids AND is married, has two daughters, likes to garden, read, sing in her church choir and attend the theater. She agrees she is Type-A, and came into the world wired that way. But she would agree it is what you do with that talent that makes a difference.

“Life evolves…it is not about you,” Chris said, “but doing for others.”

Like most organized people she has a calendar on which she notes her schedule. Across the top is her mantra: “There is a choice in everything you do and always remember the choice you make, makes you.” She is an optimist, but realistic when making plans and saying “yes” to requests.

One of five children, Chris was born in St. Joseph. After high school she attended Missouri Western, UMKC and graduated from Park University with a degree in marketing management switching from communications. The fact she had a growing business before she graduated from high school may have led to the change.

At an older sister’s suggestion she started a business selling balloon bouquets that continued as she earned her college degree. She paid other students to deliver the orders that were put together in her family home. It was such a success the business had to move when customers started showing up at the house and the Balloonery and Gift shop was born.

As she was too young to have one her mother supplied the business license and stepped in to help. They procured a delivery van and added the option of singing telegrams to go with the balloon creations.
 
Chris then added a job with Channel 2, St. Joseph, to school and the business. At Channel 2 she created and shot commercials and recorded programs the station would go to live.  In between newscasts she would do her homework admitting she occasionally took a quick catnap. Her only complaints were severe weather and Monday Night Football as both altered the station’s schedule.

Moving to Kansas City, she worked 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as Master Control for Channel 62 while going to UMKC and traveling weekends to St. Joe to take care of business for the Balloonery.

At Channel 62 “I enjoyed the quick pace.” Chris said. “I like to strategize.”
 
Strategizing and having a Plan B means being prepared for the unexpected.  Some things, however, just happen like falling into the station’s satellite dish skewing it and necessitating recalibration. How did that happen?

“I was shoveling snow out of the dish from a ladder,” Chris said, chuckling, “and leaned too far.“
 
(And then there was an earlier incident of the dropped camera at Channel 2.) Saying her job description was all-inclusive might be an understatement, but her sense of humor carried her through.

During this time she was rooming with Michel Ann Kaiser, her predecessor as president of HBS. When Chris and Michel Ann were classmates in high school who could have forecast that Michel Ann would introduce Chris to Marc whom she married in 1986. The couple has two daughters, Julia who is married, and Brooke, a student at Truman State University.

The ability to strategize served Chris well as development director for United Cerebral Palsy and when interviewing for her job with Feed Northland Kids. She put a four-page plan together in 45 minutes.

Chris became the first executive director of Feed Northland Kids in 2011. Since then, she has increased the number of schools that participate in the BackSnack program and increased fund raising, which has eliminated the weekend food pack wait list for kids in pre-Kindergarten to sixth grade. Supplying a child weekend food for a year can be accomplished with a donation of $250, Chris said.  

She shares her passion for helping the community and it is contagious. But she is humble when claiming success.

“We can’t take full credit for anything,” Chris said. “We are living in the best possible time.”
A time when opportunities exist to use the inherent talents and circumstances each person is given.

The HBS theme for this year, Cultivating Philanthropy to Create a Thriving Northland, is her goal as well as that of the members.

Chris wrote in the 2015 HBS directory “The Northland has grown significantly during the last decade, and much of that growth has been at the lower end of the economic scale. The need for assistance has increased, and, in response, our resolve to make a difference for others increases.”

The success of the Adorn Style Show and Brunch, September 19, and the Harvest Ball, November 21, will determine the amount of that assistance.

Eleven young adults recognized for their outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership and community service have been selected 2015 Harvest Ball Society VICTORY Honorees. VICTORY stands for Volunteerism In the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth. The Honorees are:

• Chelsea Berry, daughter of Bob Berry and Chris and Dawn Wolfgram
• Lauren Chapman, daughter of Scott and Michelle Chapman
• Sydney Cotton, daughter of Gary Cotton and Suzanne Porth-Cotton
• Taylor Glenn, daughter of  John and Michelle Glenn
• Reid Mason, son of Donald and Deana Mason
• Mariah Mathews, daughter of John and Lorienne Mathews
• Megan McWilliams, daughter of Scott and Lisa McWilliams
• Lauren Short, daughter of Michael and Jennifer Short
• Ashley Sweeny-Emmons, daughter of Robert and Candi Sweeney
• Riley Wartick, daughter of Dr. Dan and Judy Wartick
• Johnson Young, son of Bill and Inger Young

“This new class of VICTORY Honorees represents the next generation of philanthropic leaders and volunteers in the Northland. In the years ahead, we will look to them to identify and meet the ever-growing basic human needs of food, clothing, shelter and health care in our community,” said Christine Evans, 2015 Harvest Ball Society president.

The Honorees will be presented at the Harvest Ball on November 21, with assistance from Pages who are typically the children or grandchildren of past and present Harvest Ball Society members. The Pages demonstrate the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognize youth and encourage volunteerism at an early age. This year’s Pages are:

• Dawson Beane, son of Casey and Shannon Beane
• Mason Beane, son of Casey and Shannon Beane
• Audrey Bramlett, daughter of Steve and Nancy Bramlett
• Cayo Andres Dominguez-Heithoff, IV, son of Andres Dominguez and Amy Heithoff
• Wyatt Hawkinson, son of Dr. Dana Hawkinson and Courtney Goddard
• Riley Reed, daughter of Jason Reed and Jen Reed
• Graham Sallee, son of Andrew Sallee and Emily Donnelli-Sallee, Ph.D.

Proceeds from the Harvest Ball and Adorn Style Show & Brunch on September 19 benefit nonprofit organizations that primarily assist people in need in the Northland.  Since 1987, the Harvest Ball Society has provided more than $7.3 million to 60 organizations.

Thirty area nonprofit organizations will benefit from the work of the Harvest Ball Society in 2015. To raise funds, society members will host two events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch on September 19 and the Harvest Ball on November 21. Both events are held in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.
Nonprofit organizations that will receive funding are:
• Alphapointe Association for the Blind
• Angel Flight Central
• Assistance League of Kansas City
• Autism Works, Inc.
• Carolyn’s Pennies
• Children’s Mercy
• Clay County Clothes Closet
• Concerned Care, Inc.
• The Family Conservancy
• The Farmer’s House
• Good Samaritan Center of Excelsior Springs
• Harvester’s – The Community Food Network
• Hillcrest Hope Transitional Housing and Support
• HOPE.wrx
• Miles of Smiles, Inc.
• MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)
• NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care
• Northland Assistance Center
• Northland Christmas Store
• Northland Early Education Center
• Northland Health Care Access
• Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
• Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.
• Northland Shepherd’s Center
• Platte Senior Services, Inc.
• The Salvation Army Northland
• Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center
• St. Charles Food Pantry
• Synergy Services, Inc.
• Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.

 Since 1987, nearly $7.5 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve people in need in the Northland.

“The Northland has grown significantly in the past decade, and we’ve seen a steady increase in the need for assistance. In response, our resolve to make a difference also has increased,” explained Christine Evans, 2015 Harvest Ball Society president.

For descriptions of each nonprofit, as well as information about the Adorn Style Show & Brunch and the Harvest Ball, visit: http://harvestballsociety.org.

Nonprofit organizations serving residents of Clay, Platte and Ray counties may apply now for Harvest Ball Society grants. Applications must be postmarked before Sunday, March 1. To apply, visit: http://harvestballsociety.org/programs/become-a-beneficiary.  Organizations receiving grants will be announced in April.

“Cultivating Philanthropy to Create a Thriving Northland is our theme for 2015,” explained Christine Evans, 2015 HBS President. “As the Northland has grown significantly during the past decade so has the need to assist people who live in our community. HBS is committed to making a difference.”

HBS volunteers raise funds by hosting two events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch in September and the Harvest Ball in November. Since 1987, nearly $7.5 million has been presented to nonprofits that primarily assist people who live in the Northland.

During the Harvest Ball, the 2015 class of VICTORY Honorees will be presented. VICTORY stands for Volunteerism In the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth. All young men and women ages 21 to 26 who live in the Northland and who demonstrate outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and community service may apply. The deadline is April 30, and the application is available online at: http://www.harvestball.org/about-honorees.html.

Lots of smiles and a few tears of happiness were evident Jan. 20 as 2014 Harvest Ball Society President Michel Ann Kaiser presented checks totaling $452,000 to 30 area nonprofit organizations. HBS members raised the funds by hosting two annual events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch in September and the Harvest Ball in November. Since 1987, nearly $7.5 million in grants have given to organizations that primarily serve people in need in the Northland.

“Our theme for 2014 was Seeds of Service…Harvest of Hope,” explained Kaiser. “Throughout the year, HBS members planted Seeds of Service with hard work and generous giving. Thanks to their efforts, we have now provided a Harvest of Hope to 30 charities that enrich, stabilize and strengthen the lives of people in the Northland and beyond.”

Nonprofits that received HBS funding are:
• Alphapointe Association for the Blind
• Angel Flight Central
• Assistance League of Kansas City
• Autism Works, Inc.
• Children’s Mercy Northland
• Clay County Clothes Closet
• Concerned Care, Inc.
• The Family Conservancy
• The Farmer’s House
• Gilda’s Club Kansas City
• Harvesters – The Community Food Network
• Heartland Habitat for Humanity
• Hillcrest Transitional Housing
• HOPE.wrx
• Liberty Meals on Wheels
• Miles of Smiles, Inc.
• MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)
• NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care
• Northland Assistance Center
• Northland Christmas Store
• Northland Early Education Center
• Northland Health Care Access
• Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
• Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.
• Shepherd’s Center of the Northland
• St. Charles Food Pantry
• Synergy Services, Inc.
• Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
• Women’s Employment Network
• YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Grant applications for 2015 are available now, with recipients announced in April.

The Harvest Ball Society website won a 2014 Philly Award November 12 from Nonprofit Connect, a regional association helping nonprofit organizations more effectively achieve their missions. Green Tie Marketing was celebrated as the creative partner, and Tim Tiegreen accepted the award on behalf of the Harvest Ball Society and Green Tie Marketing.
 
The redesigned Harvest Ball Society website (www.harvestballsociety.org) debuted earlier this year. It was recognized for excellence in graphic design, functionality, quality of content, timeliness of content, and calls for action related to the Society’s mission. This is the second time in three years the Society’s website was honored by Nonprofit Connect.

The Harvest Ball Society is the largest not-for-profit organization devoted to raising funds for charities serving causes primarily in the Northland. Proceeds from the Society’s events benefit programs and services that enrich, stabilize, and strengthen the lives of adults and children in the community.

Several nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City area recently have honored members of the Harvest Ball Society for their philanthropic leadership and volunteerism in the community.

HBS founders Patty Garney and Sandra Aust received City Union Mission’s Woman Who Have Changed the Heart of the City award April 15. The event honoring them raised more than $1 million for family services to help Kansas City’s poor and homeless.

On May 7, Nonprofit Connect recognized Courtney Goddard as a Rising Star of Philanthropy during its 30th annual awards luncheon. The award is presented to emerging philanthropists for their exemplary volunteer leadership.

Anita Gorman and Jinny McCoy shared the stage with former First Lady Laura Bush at The Salvation Army’s 2014 Civic Luncheon May 8. Mrs. Gorman was formally inducted as a Lifetime Member in recognition of her exemplary service since 1979. Mrs. McCoy earned the William Booth Award for serving on the organization’s board and several committees, as well as her valuable support and counsel.

Synergy Services honored Jennifer and Michael Short as Kindest Kansas Citian Couple for their community involvement. They received the award during the annual Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Celebration held May 9. The event supports Synergy Services’ STOP Violence Prevention Program, which helps youth overcome bullying and develop healthy relationships.

Marilyn Barth was one of seven honorees at The Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Kansas City May 16. Proceeds have raised more than $1 million to support life without limits for area residents with an array of disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

“It’s an honor to be associated with these outstanding women,†said Michel Ann Kaiser, 2014 Harvest Ball Society president. “They exemplify the Harvest Ball Society’s commitment to providing leadership in meeting community needs. Their recognition is truly well deserved.â€

It was a fabulous day fusing fashion, fun and philanthropy at the 2014 Adorn Style Show & Brunch!  More than 650 guests attended the event held September 20 in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall.

The high-energy style show featured the latest clothing from some of the Kansas City area’s finest boutiques, as well as exciting creations from emerging designers. Before and after the show, guests browsed the Avenue of Shops, buying fashions from exclusive boutiques and local merchants. Guests also enjoyed a tasty brunch and decadent dessert!

Jason Grill of Sock 101 emceed the event and acknowledged the many generous sponsors, including Legacy Sponsor Saint Luke’s North Hospital. The Hospital’s presentation focused on the importance of women’s health care and heart disease in particular.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Adorn 2015.  Our Style Show & Brunch returns to the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall on Saturday, September 19. Don’t wait – make a date with your girlfriends now!

Nine young adults who have ties to the Northland and who demonstrate outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, community service and volunteerism have been selected 2014 Harvest Ball Society VICTORY Honorees. VICTORY stands for Volunteerism In the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth. The Honorees are:
• Alexandria Altenhofen, daughter of Stephen and Merritt Altenhofen
• Maggie Bruce, daughter of Charles and Debra Bruce
• Taylor Burns, son of David and Peggy Burns
• August Grasis IV, daughter of August and Pam Grasis
• Julianna Harman, daughter of John and Julie Harman
• Chloe Holt, daughter of Guy Holt and Lisa Holt
• Jennifer Johnston, daughter of Tim and Marty Johnston
• Michelle Royle, daughter of Michael and Gwen Royle
• Maggie Wolfe, daughter of Russ and Patty Wolfe

“We are very proud to announce the newest VICTORY Honorees. They represent the next generation of philanthropic leaders and volunteers who will identify and work to meet the needs of our community well into the future,†said Michel Ann Kaiser, 2014 Harvest Ball Society president.

The Honorees will be presented at the Harvest Ball on November 15, with assistance from young people selected as Pages. They typically are children or grandchildren of past and present Harvest Ball Society members and demonstrate the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognize youth and encourage volunteerism at an early age. This year’s Pages are:
• Grace Hall, daughter of Eben and Heather Hall
• Reganne Reed, daughter of Jason Reed and Jen Reed
• Emily Watson, daughter of Mike and Jill Watson

Proceeds from the Harvest Ball and Adorn Style Show & Brunch September 20 benefit nonprofit organizations that primarily assist people in need in the Northland. For more information about these events, visit http://harvestballsociety.org/. Since 1987, the Harvest Ball Society has provided nearly $7 million to 60 organizations.

Thirty area nonprofit organizations will benefit from the work of the Harvest Ball Society in 2014. To raise funds, society members will host two events: the Adorn Style Show & Brunch on September 20 and the Harvest Ball on November 15.

Nonprofits that will receive funding are:
• Alphapointe Association for the Blind
• Angel Flight Central
• Assistance League of Kansas City
• Autism Works, Inc.
• Children’s Mercy Northland
• Clay County Clothes Closet
• Concerned Care, Inc.
• The Family Conservancy
• The Farmer’s House
• Gilda’s Club Kansas City
• Harvester’s – The Community Food Network
• Heartland Habitat for Humanity
• Hillcrest Transitional Housing
• HOPE.wrx
• Liberty Meals on Wheels
• Miles of Smiles, Inc.
• MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)
• NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care
• Northland Assistance Center
• Northland Christmas Store
• Northland Early Education Center
• Northland Health Care Access
• Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
• Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.
• Shepherd’s Center of the Northland
• St. Charles Food Pantry
• Synergy Services, Inc.
• Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
• Women’s Employment Network
• YMCA of Greater Kansas City

 â€œOur mission is to connect donors to the causes they care about and to the needs of our Northland community,†explained Michel Ann Kaiser, 2014 Harvest Ball Society president. “We also hope to increase charitable giving among our neighbors and provide leadership in meeting community needs.â€

Since 1987, nearly $7 million has been presented to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve people in need in the Northland.

For descriptions of each nonprofit and information about the Adorn Style Show & Brunch and the Harvest Ball, click here.

With A Legacy of Enduring Philanthropy, the Harvest Ball Society raised more than $427,000 at its annual black-tie gala held Saturday, November 23, 2013. Approximately 800 Harvest Ball sponsors and guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, gourmet meal and dancing in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. Proceeds from the event benefit 27 charities in the Northland and Kansas City area.

“The Harvest Ball continued to inspire charitable giving by creating hope that touches the heart,†said Jerri Landsberg, Harvest Ball President for 2013. “As Harvest Ball Society members, we hope that others take notice and embrace the examples we provide in leadership, kindness and compassion toward fulfilling our community’s needs. Thanks to outstanding support over the years, we’ve been able to give more than $6.5 million to local nonprofit organizations.â€

Ken and Roswitha Schaffer and Smithfield Foods provided Harvest Ball Leadership Gifts of $50,000. Serving as $25,000 Principal Underwriters were Paul and Jonalee McLaughlin, North Kansas City Hospital, and Senior Star at Wexford Place/Wexford Place Assisted Living and Memory by Senior Star.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the VICTORY Honorees, which stands for Volunteerism in the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth. The Harvest Ball Society annually recognizes young people for their exceptional achievements in community service, leadership and scholarship. The 2013 Honorees were:

• Jakob Houston Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. James (Lisa) Bone
• Christopher Bradley Cary, son of Ms. Laura Ozenberger and Mr. Keith Cary
• Jenna Nicole Disselhoff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis (Kay) Disselhoff
• Stefanie Marie Duff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry (Mary Jane) Duff
• Hannah Linnea Lowe, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael (Lisa) Lowe
• Mathew Scott McWilliams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott (Lisa) McWilliams
• Matthew John Pepper, son of Ms. Diane Pepper and Mr. John Pepper
• Taylor Leigh Spooner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William (Robin) Spooner
• Courtney Marie Stout, daughter of Ms. Ann Hansbrough and Mr. David Stout
• Anna Katherine Waldschmidt, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael (Linda) Waldschmidt
• Lindsey Marie Wilson, daughter of Ms. Beverly Wilson

Assisting the VICTORY Honorees were the 2013 Pages, who typically are children or grandchildren of past or present Harvest Ball Society members. The children also exemplify the organization’s ongoing development of volunteerism in youth. They were:

• McKenzie Buzard, daughter of Dr. Kirby Kavanaugh and Mr. Daniel Buzard, Jr., and the granddaughter of the late Deanie Collins and Dr. Ed Kavanaugh

• Emma Dake, daughter of Ms. Angela Austin and Mr. Jason Dake, the granddaughter of Ms. Verna Austin and Mr. Rick Austin, and the niece of Ms. Renee Austin

• Alexander Dotson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken (Elizabeth) Dotson, and grandson of Mrs. John Reid and the late John R. Reid

• Anna Louise Guest, daughter of Dr. Tom and Dr. Jodie Guest, and granddaughter of Ms. Barbra Otte Wells and Mr. David Lee Wells

• Dalton Mylar, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark (Mollie) Mylar, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Danny (Pattie) French

• Alexandra Renn, daughter of Ms. Micheal Mylar, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny (Pattie) French

• Brigitta Renn, daughter of Ms. Micheal Mylar, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny (Pattie) French

• Lily Weaver, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin (Christi) Weaver, and granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Don (Regina Norris) and Mr. & Mrs. George (Mary) Weaver

 

Founded in 1987 under the leadership of Patty Garney and Sandra Doolin Aust, the Harvest Ball Society has become the largest not-for-profit organization devoted to raising funds for charities serving causes primarily in the Northland. Proceeds from the Society’s events benefit programs and services that enrich, stabilize and strengthen the lives of adults and children within our community.

Each year, the Harvest Ball Society designates 5 to 10 percent of its net proceeds for future needs. Spanning three decades, the Society has provided financial support to more than 60 charities, including 27 in 2013. For a list of beneficiaries, visit http://harvestballsociety.org.

Each year, young men and women in the Northland are recognized by the Harvest Ball Society as part of its ongoing mission to promote service to the community.  The Volunteerism In the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth (VICTORY) Honorees are chosen for their exceptional achievements in community service, leadership and scholarship.

Visit the VICTORY honoree section to view the application and criteria. Applications are due by April 30, 2014, and honorees will be announced in June.  An applicant must be a high school graduate, 21 to 26 years of age, have strong ties to the Northland, be a United States citizen and have demonstrated outstanding achievement.  In addition to a completed application, each applicant must submit a recent photo (headshot of professional quality) and two letters of reference.  The process is confidential.

VICTORY Honorees are introduced at the Adorn Style Show & Brunch September 20, 2014, and formally presented during the Harvest Ball, a black-tie gala November 15, 2014. Both events will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. The completed application should be sent to Gretchen Gold, VICTORY Honorees Chair, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Harvest Ball Society granted more than $530,000 at its January 22 annual meeting to charities that serve the Northland. Twenty-eight agencies received checks from 2012 HBS President Roswitha Schaffer at the home of Patty and Charles Garney. A special impact grant was given to Harvesters- the Community Food Network to support the Northland Childhood Hunger Initiative that aids the BackSnack program in schools.

Schaffer thanked the membership for its year-long work in raising the funds that make the grants possible. Since its founding in 1987, the HBS has given in excess of $6.5 million to more than 60 charities.

Grants are made possible by the many benefactors, both corporate and individual, that support the organization through its annual fundraisers-the Adorn Style Show & Brunch and the Harvest Ball.

The Society wishes to thank all our sponsors, family and friends for their meaningful support this year, and we hope to see you in 2013 as we continue to provide a “legacy of enduring philanthropy†to others in need within our community.

The Harvest Ball Society has selected as the 2013 VICTORY Honorees-(Volunteerism in the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth) eleven young men and women who demonstrate exceptional achievements in community service, leadership, and scholarship. They will be presented at the Harvest Ball Society Adorn Style Show & Brunch on September 7 and the Harvest Ball on November 23. Both events will be at the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. (www.harvestballsociety.org.)

Honored are: Jakob Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Bone; Christopher Cary, son of Ms. Laura Ozenberger and Mr. Keith Cary; Jenna Disselhoff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Disselhoff; Stefanie Duff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Duff; Hannah Lowe, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Lowe; Mathew McWilliams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott McWilliams; Matt Pepper, son of Ms. Diane M. Pepper and Mr. John Pepper; Taylor Spooner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Spooner; Courtney Stout, daughter of Ms. Ann Hansbrough and Mr. David Stout; Katherine Waldschmidt, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Waldschmidt; and Lindsey Wilson, daughter of Ms. Beverly Wilson.

Assisting the VICTORY Honorees at the Harvest Ball will be the 2013 pages. The pages, who are typically children or grandchildren of past or present members of the Harvest Ball Society, exemplify the organization’s ongoing recognition of volunteerism in youth. This year the pages are: McKenzie Buzard, daughter of Dr. Kirby Kavanaugh; Emma Dake, daughter of Angie Austin, niece of Renee Austin and granddaughter of Verna Austin; Alexander Dotson, son of Elizabeth Dotson; Anna Louise Guest, granddaughter of Barbra Wells; Dalton Mylar and Alexandra and Brigitta Renn, grandchildren of Pattie French; and Lily Weaver, daughter of Christi Weaver.

Now in its 27th year the Harvest Ball Society has distributed more than $6.5 million to charities that serve the Northland community. This year, under the leadership of Jerri Landsberg, the HBS has designated 27 not-for-profits to receive funds raised at the Adorn Style Show and Brunch, September 7, and the Harvest Ball, November 23. The events will be held at the Grand Ballroom, Bartle Hall.

Charities that will benefit this year:
2013 Charitable Recipients
Angel Flight Central
Assistance League of Kansas City
Autism Works, Inc.
Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics – Children’s Mercy Northland
Clay County Clothes Closet
Concerned Care, Inc.
The Farmer’s House, Inc.
Gilda’s Club Kansas City
Harvesters – The Community Food Network
Heartland Habitat for Humanity
Hillcrest Transitional Housing
HOPE.wrx
Miles of Smiles, Inc
MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault)
NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care
Northland Assistance Center
Northland Early Education Center
Northland Health Care Access
Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
Platte Senior Services, Inc.
Salvation Army Northland & Excelsior Springs
Shepherd’s Center of the Northland
Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center
St. Charles Food Pantry
Synergy Services, Inc.
Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
Women’s Employment Network

Each year young men and women in the Northland are recognized by the Harvest Ball Society as part of its ongoing mission to promote service to the community.  The Volunteerism In the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth (VICTORY) Honorees are chosen for their exceptional achievements in community service, leadership and scholarship.

Click here to download the applications and criteria. Applications are due by April 30, 2013 and honorees will be announced in June.  Applicant must be a high school graduate, 21-26 years of age, have strong ties to the Northland, a citizen of the U.S.A., and have demonstrated outstanding achievement.  Each applicant must submit a completed application, a recent photo (headshot of professional quality), and two letters of reference.  The process is confidential.

VICTORY Honorees are introduced at the Adorn Style Show & Brunch September 7, 2013 and formally presented during the Harvest Ball, a black tie gala November 23, 2013. Both events will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. The completed application should be sent to Ashley Wilson, VICTORY Honorees Chair, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Harvest Ball Society is pleased to announce the 2012 VICTORY - Volunteerism in the Community Through Organized Recognition of Youth - Honorees. These young men and women, who are recognized for their achievements in community service, leadership and scholarship, will be presented at the ADORN Style Show & Brunch, September 22, and the Harvest Ball, November 17. Both events are in the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall.

The 2012 VICTORY Honorees and their parents are:

Brock Bagby	Mr. and Mrs. Bob (Bridget) Bagby
David Bromberg	Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Jane) Bromberg
Elena DiMiceli	Mr. and Mrs. Louie (Christi) DiMiceli
Kelcie Dryer	Mr. and Mrs. Darrell (Cheri) Dryer
Carolyn Knop	Dr. and Mrs. Kevin (Mary Ellen) Knop
Sarah Krtek	Mr. and Mrs. Doug (Judy) Krtek
Molly Matthews	Mr. and Mrs. Harold (Lorienne) Mathews
Kelsey Mayabb	Ms. Lynn Mayabb and Mr. James Peavey
	Mr. and Mrs. Gary (Dorothy) Mayabb
Kathleen O'Halloran	Mr. and Mrs. Frederick (Linda) O’Halloran
Mallory O'Malley	Mr. and Mrs. Daniel (Kerri) O’Malley
Meredith O'Malley	Mr. and Mrs. Daniel (Kerri) O’Malley
Brandon Rose	Mr. George (Randy) Rose & Mrs. Kathleen (Kathy) Rose
Kaleigh Turner	Mr. and Mrs. H.B. (Tammy) Turner

 

Assisting VICTORY honorees at their Harvest Ball presentation are the 2012 pages. Typically the children and grandchildren of present or former Harvest Ball Society members, the pages exemplify the Harvest Ball Society’s dedication to encouraging volunteerism at an early age.

The 2012 Harvest Ball Society Pages and their HBS sponsors are:

Daniella Dake	Daughter of Angie Austin Dake, Granddaughter of Verna Austin
Lucas Dorrell	Son of Renee Austin, Grandson of Verna Austin
Avery Spooner	Daughter of Robin Spooner
Charles Mac Andrews	Grandson of Patty Garney
Avery Brundige	Granddaughter of Judy Chastain
Kira Anderson	Granddaughter of Judy Chastain
Cormac O’ Dear	Grandson of Sandra Aust

 

More than two dozen local charities learned this week they were selected as a 2012 Harvest Ball Society beneficiary. The Society received 41 applications totaling $519,620 in requests.

Last year, the Society awarded gifts totaling $802,500 to 25 charities and the Northland Community Foundation. It was the largest distribution of funding in the 25-year history of the Society.

This year the number of beneficiaries grew to 28 including two, first-time recipients – Angel Flight and Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. The 2012 beneficiaries will learn the amount of their gifts at the annual check presentation event in January 2013.

Funds are awarded to local agencies that stabilize and strengthen those in need in our community. Proceeds come from two major annual events – the Adorn Style Show & Brunch in September and the Harvest Ball gala in November.

The 2012 Beneficiaries are:
•    Alphapointe Association for the Blind
•    Angel Flight
•    Assistance League of Kansas City
•    Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics - Children’s Mercy Northland
•    Clay County Clothes Closet
•    Concerned Care, Inc.
•    Cornerstones of Care
•    The Family Conservancy
•    Harvesters – The Community Food Network
•    Hillcrest Transitional Housing
•    HOPE.wrx
•    Liberty Meals on Wheels
•    Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries
•    MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization or Counter Sexual Assault)
•    Miles of Smiles, Inc.
•    NorthCare Hospice/ Palliative Care
•    Northland Assistance Center
•    Northland Christmas Store
•    Northland Early Education Center
•    Northland Health Care Access
•    Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
•    Platte Senior Services, Inc.
•    Salvation Army Northland & Excelsior Springs
•    Shepherd’s Center of the Northland
•    Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center
•    Triality, Inc.
•    Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
•    Women’s Employment Network
 

There were tears of gratitude at the January 17 annual meeting of the Harvest Ball Society when President Patty Garney presented checks to 25 charities serving the Northland. The recipients were surprised or as one said, “overwhelmed†by the amount of the grants. The largest grant enables Children’s Mercy Northland to purchase an ultrasound machine for its clinic which was high on its wish list.

Celebrating 25 years of enduring philanthropy in 2011 through the September Adorn Style Show, the November Harvest Ball, other fundraisers and the generosity of its supporters the HBS raised $1,016,000. The organization gave a total of $802,500 to the not-for-profits and the Northland Community Foundation HBS Endowment Fund.

Garney said the organization has come a long way from the original ball in 1987 that raised $27,000 to help build Safehaven, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Garney and HBS co-founder Sandra Aust formulated the idea for that first fundraiser over a cup of coffee.

Garney praised the members of the Harvest Ball Society for their service to the organization and in return received a standing ovation for her leadership.

 

Harvest Ball Society Donates $802,500 to Charity from Harvest Ball Society on Vimeo.

 

The Independent Magazine recently honored the Harvest Ball Society’s 25th annual gala by naming the ball among its Top Ten Events of 2011.

In December, the Society provided The Independent Magazine an estimate of net revenue from the late November event of $732,508. This figure earned fourth place in the Top Ten Events of 2011.

Only three other organizations ranked higher in the list.

1. Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas - $1,401.833

2.  The University of Kansas Hospital Treads and Threads - $785,311

3.  Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics - $785,085

4.  Harvest Ball Society - $732,508

When the final tallies were calculated, the gala actually netted more than $802,000 for the 25 charities supported by the Harvest Ball Society in 2011.

Representing the Harvest Ball Society at a reception at the home of Ann and Tom Isenberg were 2011 President Patty Garney and members Shirley Pryor, Verna Austin and Jennifer Short.

The Harvest Ball Society officially launched its celebration of 25 years of enduring philanthropy with its announcement of the 25 charities the Society will support with proceeds from this year’s events. Agencies selected for 2011 include:
• Alphapointe Association for the Blind
• Assistance League® of Kansas City
• Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics – Children’s Mercy Northland
• Clay County Clothes Closet
• Concerned Care, Inc.
• Cornerstones of Care
• Harvesters – The Community Food Network
• Hillcrest Transitional Housing
• HOPE.wrx
• Liberty Meals on Wheels
• Miles of Smiles, Inc.
• NorthCare Hospice and Palliative Care
• Northland Assistance Center
• Northland Christmas Store
• Northland Early Education Center
• Northland Health Care Access
• Northland Meals on Wheels, Inc.
• Platte Senior Services, Inc.
• Salvation Army Northland and Excelsior Springs
• Shepherd’s Center of the Northland
• Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center
• Synergy Services, Inc.
• Triality, Inc.
• Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.
• Women’s Employment Network

Two major, annual events generate charitable contributions to support essential services in the community – the Adorn Style Show on September 10 and the Harvest Ball gala on November 19. Both will be held in the elegant and spacious Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall.

“The Harvest Ball Society continues to connect donors to the priorities they care about and to the needs of those in our shared community,†explained Patty Garney, 2011 Harvest Ball Society president. Garney and Sandra Aust, 2011 honorary president, founded the Harvest Ball Society 25 years ago initially to raise funds to build a shelter for abused women. From that successful beginning, the Society has grown to assist more than 60 programs and has given more than $5.2 million to area charities.

As nonprofits look to social media and web communications to reach potential donors, one Northland nonprofit organization recently earned top accolades as a regional model. Nonprofit Connect, formerly the Council on Philanthropy, honored the Harvest Ball Society’s (HBS) website with a first place award at the 9th Annual Philly Awards luncheon Oct. 18 at the Grand Ballroom – Bartle Hall. The Philly Awards honor excellence in nonprofit communications including print communications, membership appeals, mixed media campaigns, public service campaigns, video presentations and websites.

The effective integration of new and social media was accomplished with the help of Tim Tiegreen, president of Green Tie Website Design and eMarketing Agency, HBS Consultant Jennifer Short and HBS Past President Mary Bruening. The trio actively works to ensure the society’s website is interactive, current and appealing.

“The collaboration of these three great talents has resulted in an outstanding digital platform to showcase our donors and the deserving charities we support,†explained Patty Garney, HBS President.