The Heart of the Community Awards Gala on May 20 recognizes leaders across government, faith, business, and medicine who are working to strengthen access to health care in Kansas City.
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center will host the Heart of the Community Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the College Basketball Experience and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, 1401 Grand Blvd. The event honors nine Kansas City leaders who have championed access to health care. Proceeds will support community outreach, health education, and expanded services for the more than 21,700 individuals the Center serves each year.
This year’s honorees include:
- Joseph Thomas, candidate for 3rd District
- Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor of St. James Methodist Church
- Dr. Vincent Key, orthopedic surgeon
- Annette Campbell, public health leader
- Leo Prieto, chief community impact officer at Guadalupe Centers
- Bobbi Baker, CEO of the Northeast KC Chamber
- Sandra Olivas, community development director at First Federal Bank
- Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Jackson County prosecutor
- Mayor Christal Watson, mayor of Kansas City, Kansas
At a time when access to affordable health care remains a pressing issue, the awards recognize that protecting and expanding that access takes leadership beyond the exam room. Each honoree reflects the legacy of Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers, who believed health care is a right and dedicated his career to building high-quality, compassionate, and affordable care in Kansas City.
Sponsorships range from $150 for an individual seat to $15,000 for presenting sponsorship. To reserve a table, visit samrodgers.org/heart-of-the-community-awards-gala or contact Rory Kirk at (816) 889-1949.
