At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of philanthropy. Nominated by our Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board, our Heartland Awards honor individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose tireless efforts uplift our region—championing education, community wellbeing, and opportunity for all.
The nominees are honored annually at the Toast to our Towns Gala, as we Celebrate Philanthropy throughout the Eastern Jackson County region and beyond.
Michele Shanahan DeMoss
A lifelong philanthropist, Michele Shanahan DeMoss has always made caring for others a family priority. Through the vision of her daughter Blair at age 11, she founded Blair’s Foster Socks to support underserved children throughout the community. This mission expanded greatly after the tragic loss of her Blair to celebratory gunfire in 2011. Michele also became a relentless advocate for public safety and successfully championed Blair’s Law that passed in Missouri in 2024, criminalizing reckless celebratory gunfire and protecting future generations.
Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal
With nearly a century of operations in Kansas City, Cornell Roofing supports local nonprofits, educational scholarships, and community development—evident in projects like Englewood Arts and Habitat for Humanity. Led by breast cancer survivor Mary McNamara, the company continues its legacy of service.
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
For more than 100 years, MCC has empowered tens of thousands of students—many first-generation—to graduate and thrive. Through initiatives like their Scholarship Program, partnership with Truman Heartland in their Job Skills Program, as well as the Path Forward Capital Campaign and Civic Action Plan, MCC remains a beacon of workforce and educational leadership in our region.
The Heartland Awards showcase the inspiring people and organizations shaping our community. Their stories encourage others to engage, volunteer, and donate—helping us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and caring region. Each year, the THCF Board of Directors selects honorees in the following categories, reflecting the breadth and depth of community impact:
The Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals or couples whose impactful charitable giving and volunteerism enhance the wellbeing of our region.
| HUMANITARIANS OF THE YEAR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Byron Constance | 2012 | Dave & Shirley Wurth |
| 1997 | Barbara J. Potts | 2013 | Dr. Bridget McCandless |
| 1998 | David P. Ross | 2014 | Norman E. Swails |
| 1999 | Bob Reeds | 2015 | Mike and Jan McGraw |
| 2000 | Chuck and Colleen Foudree | 2016 | Terry and Betty Snapp |
| 2001 | Helen French | 2017 | Brad and Sandy Cox |
| 2002 | Allen Lefko | 2018 | Robert (Bob) F. Glaser |
| 2003 | Dr. Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog | 2019 | Tom & Carman Duvall |
| 2004 | Junior Service League of Independence | 2020 | Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams |
| 2005 | John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil | 2021 | Jim and Mary Stilley |
| 2006 | Dr. Frederick Hahn | 2022 | Steve and Joan Israelite |
| 2007 | 2023 | LaShawn Walker | |
| 2008 | Larry Moore | 2024 | Doug and Helen Hatridge |
| 2009 | Dave Jeter & Jim Kidwell | 2025 | Michele Shanahan DeMoss |
| 2010 | John and Nancy Kimak | ||
| 2011 | Gene and Joanne Cable | ||
The Corporate Citizens Award highlights businesses that demonstrate extraordinary community leadership, support for nonprofits, and a culture of giving.
| CORPORATE CITZEN AWARD | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Blue Ridge Bank & Trust | 2015 | Mid-Continent Public Library |
| 2001 | American Sterling Bank | 2016 | The Missouri Mavericks |
| 2002 | Jim Kidwell Construction | 2017 | Cable-Dahmer Auto Group |
| 2003 | Commerce Bank | 2018 | Tingle Flooring |
| 2004 | Haldex | 2019 | GEHA |
| 2005 | Meyer Music | 2020 | Speaks Chapels |
| 2006 | The EXAMINER | 2021 | Continental Siding |
| 2008 | MeraVic | 2022 | Summit Homes |
| 2009 | Data System International | 2023 | Stewardship Capital |
| 2010 | Centerpoint Medical Center | 2024 | Community America Credit Union |
| 2012 | Community of Christ (Community Partner Award) | 2025 | Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal |
| 2013 | Silverstein Eye Centers | ||
| 2014 | Corporate CopyPrint | ||
The Heartland Service Award honors organizations that advance civic engagement, educational opportunity, and collective progress.
| HEARTLAND SERVICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (Silver Legacy Award) | 2021 | Centerpoint Medical Center, Lorraine Duncan MD; Truman Medical Center, Laura A. Peckham, RN, MHA, MBA; St. Mary’s Hospital, Angela Haley, RN; Lee’s Summit Medical Center, J.C. Ireland, DO; St. Luke’s East, Susie Krug, MHA, BSN, RN; Children’s Mercy Hospital – Amy Latimer RN, BSN, MSN, CPN |
| 2011 | Rotary District 6040 | 2023 | Hope House |
| 2012 | (Founders Recognition) Carol Sue Bass, Kyle Conway, Lloyd Uptegrove, Carole Roper Park Vaughan and Luva Vaughan | 2024 | CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Association) |
| 2015 | The Independence Young Matrons | 2025 | Metropolitan Community College |
| 2016 | Community Services League | ||
| 2018 | Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. (Community Partner Award) | ||
| 2019 | Drumm Farm Center for Children | ||
| 2020 | Junior Service League of Independence | ||
The Professional Advisor of the Year Award honors financial advisors who encourage philanthropic strategies and help clients support public good through planned giving.
| PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR OF THE YEAR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Bunk Farrington | 2019 | George N. Koepp |
| 2011 | Rick Henks | 2020 | Adam Kliethermes |
| 2012 | R. James Stilley Jr. | 2022 | Clint Anderson |
| 2013 | Cliff Jones | 2023 | Lori Watson |
| 2014 | Doug Hammer | 2024 | Craig Bolger |
| 2015 | Dennis Bacon | ||
| 2017 | Ron Finke | ||
Heartland Awards are presented each year at our Toast to Our Towns Gala, attended by over 700 community leaders, fundholders, and philanthropic partners. For more information about sponsorship, tickets, or the gala, visit our Annual Gala page.
Learn more about our Past Honorees
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