Brighter Future, Better Kansas City

This weekend I had the privilege of photographing Donnelly College’s 10th annual SHINE gala, held at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Our advancement team started the day early, with a quick break for a stadium tour before guests started arriving. (In addition to photography, I also designed the invitations, program, signage, slideshow, and more.) The evening included lots of mingling, excellent hors d’oeuvres, a program featuring student and alumni panelists, and a time to raise more funds to keep costs down for underserved students. It was an incredible evening, and I’m so happy I had the chance to capture it!

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Day 318: Salute!

Thanks to the Night of Hope silent auction, we came home with three wine bottles and two wine glasses to complete our wine rack. You would think we were wine connoisseurs. We definitely are not, but we can appreciate a good glass of vino every once in a while. Salute!

Our wine rack is filled with Mikasa glasses and wine from around the world.

 

Days 316-317: Night of Hope, Day of Renewal

This weekend finally arrived … and passed too quickly. I was so looking forward to the Night of Hope – a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network gala – 1) because it was our first time attending a gala, and 2) the cause is close to my heart. My aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer last July, just 8 months after being diagnosed. Since then I’ve met so many people who have been affected by this horrible disease. It was a roller coaster of emotions; it was fun to dress up and get a fancy hotel room, but it was also incredibly touching to witness the Vigil for Hope, where everyone lit purple lights in memory of their loved ones.

A view of Liberty Memorial from our hotel room before the gala.
As my aunt’s name appeared on the screen, the entire venue was lit in purple for the Vigil of Hope.
The day after the gala we walked around Liberty Memorial and Union Station. We even laid down on the lawn for a while, just to relax!

Day 313: From Nail Biting to Nail Painting

Now that our big move is over, I can finally de-stress. I’m really looking forward to this Saturday’s Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Hope Gala. I figured it was time to get rid of my blue toenail polish and replace it with a classier red. (If you want to attend, tickets are still available! The event is at Union Station and includes dinner, drinks, silent & live auction, raffle, and music – all for just $75.)

Taking a photo from this angle while painting your toenails is much more difficult that you might think.

Day 286: Self-Portrait, Gala-Bound

Next month my husband and I will have the privilege of attending our first gala, thanks to a generous birthday gift. We’ll be attending the PANCAN Night of Hope at Union Station. I bought this dress for the occasion about a week ago, and I’ve been meaning to take a photo of it to send to my mom. I figured I might as well turn it into my photo of the day. Now I just need shoes and jewelry … suggestions welcome!

A self-portrait in my new gala dress.

Day 98: In the Red

Friday night Jerod and I went to see the 10:30 showing of Cabaret at the KC Repetory Theatre. The show started so late because they had their annual gala that evening. We didn’t realize the gala would be in the atrium of the theatre until we squeezed our way past the guests, feeling severely underdressed. It was my first time at a gala, even if I didn’t belong. They definitely go all out with decorations!


Canon 60d
1/30 sec., f/3.5, ISO 800
18-200 mm lens (18 mm), ambient light