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Starlight’s 38th Annual Benefit: See who showed up

Dawnya Bartsch

Dinner and a celebratory program on the Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage featured spirited performances by Blue Star Award students and alumni
Dinner and a celebratory program on the Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage featured spirited performances by Blue Star Award students and alumni.

More than 400 guests gathered for Starlight’s 38th Annual Benefit Gala, celebrating the past, present and future of Kansas City’s beloved arts organization. The evening featured performances and honors, and together, the crowd raised a record-breaking $837,125 to support Starlight’s mission for years to come.

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–Dawnya Bartsch, editor-in-chief, editor@kansascitymag.com.

Gala chairs Bill and Denise Bade and Robert and Melissa Hingula
Gala chairs Melissa and Robert Hingula take the stage during the evening’s program.
Guests arrived dressed to the nines for a red carpet welcome in the Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars, sponsored by Seigfreid Bingham
Jan and Lee Morevitska were honored with the 2025 Star Award for more than 55 years of dedication, generosity and leadership in support of Starlight and the Kansas City arts community
Legendary performer Marilyn Maye took the stage, delivering a dazzling performance that earned a standing ovation and celebrated Starlight’s rich legacy of live entertainment
Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Shirley Bush Helzberg was recognized for her lasting impact on Kansas City’s arts and cultural community.
Performances by Blue Star Award students and alumni, including Vincent Legacy Scholar Amari Lewis, brought energy and emotion to the evening
The celebration continued at the after-party, with live music from Twice On Sunday, dancing and a festive atmosphere in the Applause Club and Garden
Picture of Dawnya Bartsch

Dawnya Bartsch

Dawnya Bartsch is the Managing Editor of Kansas City magazine.

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