8 October 2022
This was the first Spirit Gala for President & CEO, Merideth Rose, who joined the team in July.
The 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration of the Spirit Gala was a glowing success for Cornerstones of Care, raising a record-breaking $438,000 to fund essential programs and services for children and families in our community. The annual event was held at the Overland Park Convention Center on Friday, November 11. Despite the chilly outdoor temperature, 572 guests gathered in The Ballroom, vested in various shades of sparkling red, to celebrate the collective generosity and care of the community, share stories about the impact of these gifts, and raise a glass to the Spirit Award recipients and honorees.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and energy we witnessed in the room at this year’s Spirit Gala,” said Chad Harris, Chief Development Officer at Cornerstones of Care. “While we do our work one child and family at a time, that work is made possible one donor and one contribution at a time – so to see what can be achieved when community members come together to make a collective financial impact for our mission, it is extremely rewarding.”
This was the first Spirit Gala for Cornerstones of Care President & CEO, Merideth Rose, who joined the team in July. Rose was accompanied by several family members, including her husband, Michael Rose, as well as more than 70 Cornerstones of Care team members. In her speech, Rose spoke about the warm welcome she has received in her first three months with the organization and the work the leadership team has done thus far.
“Our team is reestablishing a commitment to our purpose,” said Rose. “We’re ensuring that our people have the tools and resources they need to work effectively. We’re dedicating intentional focus to harnessing the power of storytelling to underscore the impact of our work, and we’re enhancing our presence in the community. This is our driving imperative: simply, to care.”
The power of storytelling was evident that night as attendees learned firsthand about Jacob, a former participant of the Pathways Transitional Living Program, a supportive, transitional housing program for teens transitioning out of foster care. Following the two-minute video, attendees gave $117,000 to Cornerstones of Care during the Fund-A-Need, another record-breaking feat. Earlier in the evening, the thrilling live auction raised $40,450, thanks in part to a donation of two sets of club-level Kansas City Chiefs 2023-24 season tickets.
There were many reasons to celebrate at the Spirit Gala’s Ruby Celebration. Honored this year as the Spirit Award recipients were two dynamic duos: Sean and Karen Miller and Kevin and Cathay Perz of Dynamic Fastener. Cornerstones of Care also recognized Honorary Chairs, Natalie and Kyle Hartman. The Spirit Award has a rich history in the Kansas City community and is a celebration of the individuals who have made a substantial impact on the legacy of Cornerstones of Care and on our city.
“We are indeed proud of our history, but we are even more excited about our future,” said Rose. “A future that is focused on responding to the needs of the communities we serve through prevention and healing treatment services, foster care and adoption, and education.”
Rose went on to acknowledge the donors and sponsors, including presenting sponsors, Dynamic Fastener and North American Savings Bank (NASB), that contributed to the success of the 2022 Spirit Gala and the ongoing work of Cornerstones of Care.
“Indeed, our work matters,” said Rose, “and it is creating a new, healthy reality for generations to come.”
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If you missed your opportunity to attend the Raise Your Spirit Gala, you can still make a donation to help support the 15,000 children and families served by Cornerstones of Care.
You can also purchase tickets for our next fundraiser, Savor the Sound, which will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 28 Event Space. Hosted by internationally-acclaimed musician and author, Calvin Arsenia, Savor the Sound is an immersive event for all the senses, featuring a menu by James Beard award-winning Chef Celina Tio. Proceeds benefit the Build Trybe program.
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