Category: Communities

KCKCC makes ‘arrests’ for good cause

Michael Vitale, vice president of academic affairs at KCKCC, right, participated in a jail-style fundraiser recently for the United Way. (KCKCC photo)
Michael Vitale, vice president of academic affairs at KCKCC, right, participated in a jail-style fundraiser recently for the United Way. It was not a real arrest. (KCKCC photo)

by Kelly Rogge
Students, staff and faculty at Kansas City Kansas Community College joined together Oct. 22 to raise money for the United Way of Wyandotte County.

But it was not the usual bake sale that caused so much interest. Instead KCKCC administrators and faculty members were “put in jail.”

Four administrators and one faculty member were selected to get “arrested.”

Those participating included KCKCC President Doris Givens; Linda Sutton, director of student activities; Michael Vitale, vice president of academic affairs; Paige Darby, math faculty at KCKCC and Brian Bode, chief operations officer. They were then brought to their “cell” in Lower Jewell where students and staff had the opportunity to either donate money toward their bail or to contribute money toward increasing their bail.

The event was a part of the college’s annual United Way campaign. Samantha Scott, professional assistant in Information Services at KCKCC and chair of the campus United Way committee, said the event went above and beyond the goal that had been set. She said the bail was originally set for $50 for everyone, and with five people on the docket, she said they expected to raise anywhere between $300-$350. The total raised during the Jail and Bail event was $740.

“I think there were several factors that contributed to the event’s success,” she said. “It’s an acceptable form of giving your boss a hard time or an opportunity to literally bail them out, and all for a good cause. Who could pass up that opportunity? Some of the participants made arrangements ahead of time to let people know they were counting on them to post bail. Some participants were pretty rowdy while in jail and even tried to annoy the crowd by reading text books aloud. When you put all that together, I think it makes for a well-rounded and successful event.”

The Jail and Bail event is only a small part of KCKCC’s overall United Way campaign this year. This includes completing pledge forms and making one-time donations as well as an upcoming silent auction. All proceeds will be donated directly to the United Way of Wyandotte County.

For more information about KCKCC’s United Way campaign or to make a donation, contact Samantha Scott at [email protected] or by calling 913-288-7132.
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor for KCKCC.

Dunbar-Faith Connection Gospel Fest gathering planned tonight

The Historic Dunbar Schoolground Honor Roll Athletes, led by team members Bill Robinson and Errol Robinson, will be featured in song and testimony at the Dunbar-Faith Connection Gospel Fest gathering at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Faith Lutheran Church, 530 Quindaro, Kansas City, Kan.

Former students in Dunbar’s chorus, families and former Dunbar musicians or their representatives are asked to participate in a memorial photo signature ceremony for musicians Evelyn Caruthers, former Dunbar teacher and chorus leader, and Ruby Robinson, former Dunbar student and choir musician.

Dunbar closed in 1972; the Dunbar-Faith Connection is a volunteer group committed to preserving the memory and educational mission of Dunbar School.

The Historic Schoolground Athletes list was unveiled in 2008; their pictures and other Dunbar history are exhibited on two dedicated walls in Faith’s Fellowship Hall.

There is no charge for admission, an offering and patron donations will be accepted.

Kids’ Halloween events starting early; activities begin tonight

Here are some Halloween events in Wyandotte County that we have heard about:

Trunk-and-treat event offered
The Eighth Street YMCA plans a Trunk-and-Treat event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at 900 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kan. Activities will include a carnival, games, costume parade and a trunk-and-treat. It is free and open to the public.

YMCA Monster Mash planned
The Providence YMCA-Ball Family Center, 8601 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan., is planning a Monster Mash-Halloween Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. All ages are welcome. Activities include a bounce house, crafts, games, face painting, and a haunted house. The cost is $5 per child.

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat to be Saturday, Oct. 25
A Halloween Trunk-or Treat event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Wyandotte County Fairgrounds, 13700 Polfer Road, Kansas City, Kan. The event, sponsored by the Wyandotte County Fair Board, is a benefit for the Wyandotte County Fair Foundation 4-H Scholarships. The admission charge of $5 per child ages 2 and up will include hayride, trunk or treating, haunted petting zoo, games and a hot dog around the fire pits. The public is invited to the event. Family activities are geared to ages 3 to 15, and parents or adults should accompany the children. Volunteers including 4-H members and adults will be working at the trunk or treat. The fairgrounds location is east of K-7 on Polfer Road in northwest Wyandotte County.

Trick-or-treat at the library
Children may trick-or-treat from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd, Kansas City, Kan. Children may wear costumes and may stay at the event to do a couple of Halloween crafts. Those under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of six or more must call ahead.

Halloween event scheduled Oct. 25 in Turner
Spooktacular, sponsored by the Turner Recreation Commission, will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Turner Community Library, 831 S. 55th, Kansas City, Kan. The event features games, costumes and a haunted house. Recreation commission games will cost 50 cents each. For more information, call the library at 913-596-1404 or the recreation commission at 913-287-2111.

Rosedale Development Association plans Healthy Halloween event
The Rosedale Development Association plans its fifth annual Healthy Halloween event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Whitmore Park, 1412 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kan. Attractions at the event include a bounce house, mask making, pumpkin painting, disc golf and more. Free flu shots will be offered. Call 913-677-5097 for more information.

Big Pumpkin Run 5k and Scarecrow Scamper scheduled Oct. 25
The Big Pumpkin Run 5k and Scarecrow Scamper are scheduled at 5 p.m. Oct. 25 by the Bonner Springs YMCA. The starting line is north of the intersection of West Kump Avenue and South Bluegrass Drive in Bonner Springs. Besides the race, there will be a party, costumes and family fun. A family festival will follow an awards ceremony. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Bonner Springs Family YMCA campaign. Entry fee is $20 for the 5k, and $2 for children to attend the child watch party.

Halloween party scheduled Oct. 29
A Halloween event has been scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the T-Rex restaurant at The Legends at Village West, Kansas City, Kan. Those attending may wear a costume and trick-or-treat. They will meet Dexter and friends. There will be games, crafts and activities. Also, there will be a discounted price on kids’ meals. For more information see www.trexcafe.com.

Halloween event scheduled Oct. 29
“Halloweenpalooza,” an event for children, tweens and teens, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Main Kansas City, Kan., Public Library, youth storytime-craft room, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The event features costumes, games, trick-or-treating, music and food. For information, call 913-279-2128.

Church to hold Trunk-or-Treat event Oct. 29
Living Water United Methodist Church, 3001 N. 115th St., will hold its annual Trunk-or-Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. Activities include trunk or treat, games, hot dogs, s’mores, hayrack rides and more. The community is invited. In case of rain, activities will be moved indoors.

Halloween event to be Oct. 30
A Halloween Bash is planned from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the South Branch Library, Meeting Room A, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The event is for children and teens.

Safe trick-or-treating offered
Safe trick-or-treating events will be offered at all Unified Government recreation centers on Friday, Oct. 31. For more information on times of the events, call 913-573-8327. Center locations: JFK Recreation Center – 1310 N. 10th St.; Eisenhower Center- 2901 N. 72nd St.; Argentine Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan; Armourdale Community Center, 730 Osage; Bethany Community Center, 1120 Central Ave.; Kensington Gym, 2900 State Ave.; Piper Community Center, 3130 N. 122nd St.

Alcott Center plans Halloween event
The Alcott Arts Center will hold a “Super Heroes and Villains” theme safe Halloween event for children from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the center, 180 S. 18th, Kansas City, Kan. Children may dress up in Halloween costumes, meet super heroes and villains characters on the decorated south lawn of the center, where they can trick-or-treat. Parents may bring a camera to take a picture of the child with the superheroes. There also will be children’s face painting by Sheryl Nance Durst, and posters by artist Darryl Woods will be drawn. There is no charge for the event. Donations of candy and items to give away are being accepted for this event. There are often 400 to 600 children attending this event, according to organizers. Call 913-233-2787 or email [email protected] to arrange for drop-offs of donations.

Leavenworth Road Association to help at Eisenhower and FOP trick-or-treat events
The Leavenworth Road Association volunteers will assist from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Eisenhower Recreation Center and the FOP safe trick-or-treat events. The Eisenhower Center, 2901 N. 72nd St., will have games and treats for children. FOP also will hold a trunk-and-treat event and haunted house at the FOP Hall, 7844 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan.

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to [email protected] and include your name and phone number.