Truman Heartland To Recognize Exceptional Philanthropic Work

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Toast to Our Towns Gala, benefiting the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. This year’s event will be delivered live through an online celebration on September 26, 2020 and recognize individuals, businesses and organizations who have made a significant philanthropic impact in Eastern Jackson County and surrounding communities.
     Presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union, the one-hour celebration of philanthropy will start at 7:00 p.m. and broadcast to more than 40 different watch parties throughout the region. During the event, Truman Heartland will award the Humanitarians of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, Heartland Service Award and Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year.
     Independence couple Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams will be honored as Humanitarians of the Year. 
     The Junior Service League of Independence, celebrating its 75th year, will receive the Heartland Service Award. Speaks Chapels will be honored as Corporate Citizen of the Year. Adam Kliethermes, Investment Advisor with Edward Jones will receive the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year honor.
     The 2020 Citizens of the Year, chosen by area mayors, will be honored during the Toast to Our Towns Gala broadcast and during a pre-Gala event sponsored by Centerpoint Medical Center. 
     The Toast to Our Towns Gala will be held online on September 26, 2020. This one-hour celebration of philanthropy will start at 7:00 p.m. and broadcast to more than 40 different watch parties throughout Eastern Jackson County.