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30th Anniversary Fall Breakfast: Lighting the Way


Event Recap

Thank you for Lighting the Way

On November 6, 2025 at the KCI Expo Center, we celebrated the stories, people, and partnerships that continue to light the way for NKC Schools students.

  • The morning opened with North Kansas City High School’s Pacific Island Dancers, showcasing the diversity and spirit of our schools.
  • A student panel from our four high schools shared how Foundation‑supported opportunities shape their paths forward.
  • We honored Dr. Terry Ward and Jan Lewis with the 2025 Cornerstone Award for their leadership and lasting impact. 

Thanks to generous sponsors and partners, more than $130,000 was pledged this anniversary year to strengthen scholarships, classroom innovation, and vital programs. Thank you for helping us light the way for what’s next.

Together, we serve 22,000 Students across NKC Schools

  • 3,100+ families had meal debt cleared or reduced last year.
  • $65,000 in Kahler Innovation Grants fueled hands‑on learning for 7,000+ students.
  • 146 scholarships opened doors for graduating seniors.
  • $500,000+ invested in programs that empower students and staff across the district.

Save the Date

Save the Date - Fall Breakfast 2026
Thursday, October 22, 2026

More details to come. Sponsorship opportunities open soon.


Image Gallery

* Event photography by Rachel Bowers.


Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors

With gratitude to our 2025 sponsors - including our Student Showcase Spotlight partner Diamond Assets and Catalyst Circle sponsors Holmes Murphy, Ikey Harris & We‑Mac Manufacturing Co., the Sue & Bill Woods Charitable Fund, and USG - for leading the way this year.


Cornerstone


Champion


Neighbor


Our Sponsors


Student Showcase Spotlight


Catalyst Circle


Bright Lights Sponsor



Jan & Dr. Bruce Kauk


30th Anniversary Champion



Joe Jacobs



Jan Lewis / Lewis Learning Impact Fund



Bill & Sue Woods Charitable Fund



Dick & Mary Linna Woods


People Power Sponsor


Lighting the Way Sponsor



Margaret Cummings



Susan Hines



Dr. Chad Sutton


Bright Futures Sponsor



Tom Brown & Jane Pansing Brown



Commissioner Jon Carpenter



Bob Hiatt



Julie Keilman



Paul & Gayle Matsuoka



Senator Maggie Nurrenbern



Nancy Knipfel



Bob Maggio



In Loving Memory of Stacy Youngers