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Independence, MO —
Community of Christ had a big year in 1994.
In April of that year, the church – then known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – officially dedicated its Temple, adjacent to the Auditorium in Independence. Also, the Joint Council of 1994 agreed on Community of Christ for the name change, saying it was consistent with its theology.
And then, in June, 18 years ago, the boards of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (known as the Independence Community Foundation until 1996) and the Independence Regional Health Center Foundation (then owned by Community of Christ) merged boards and assets.
Because of this merger, a permanent grant-making program was created, with assets totaling nearly $2 million, as well as the commitment to support THCF’s operations for five years.
“Without that support, it would be very, very difficult for us to be where we are today,” said Ron Bruch, the 2012 board chairman for Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
At the 17th annual Toast to Our Towns Gala, Community of Christ will receive the Community Partner Award. According to the foundation, “The confidence that Community of Christ placed in the Community Foundation at that time in history led to a significant growth spurt in assets in the five years that followed.”
Additionally, because the Truman Heartland Community Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary in November, the 10 Independence residents who signed the articles of incorporation to create a public community foundation will be honored with a special award.
Five living members will be recognized, including Kyle Conway, Luva Vaughan, Lloyd Uptegrove, Carole Roper Park Vaughan and Carol Sue Bass. The other five, to be recognized posthumously, include Phil Weeks, Lauzon Maxwell, R. Edwin Browne, William A. Piedimonte and Donald E. DeTray.
Community of Christ President Stephen Veazey said he was pleasantly surprised by news of the Community Partner Award since the church doesn’t seek recognition for its work throughout the communities.
“But, at the same time, it was appreciated that at this time of anniversary celebration of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation they did recognize the role the church played, not only in the earlier stages of the foundation, but continues to play,” Veazey said.
Community of Christ has a long history of Independence and Eastern Jackson County being the home to many congregations and church members. But on a deeper level, Veazey said, Community of Christ follows beliefs known as enduring principles.
It is through those principles that Community of Christ works to bring transformation to communities, Veazey said. One of those principles, “Blessings of Community,” is part of the soul of the church and its faith movement, he said.
“We’re always looking to promote, build and enrich community,” Veazey said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
In receiving the Community Partner Award, Veazey said he hopes Eastern Jackson County understands that Community of Christ is committed to strategic partnerships and networks for the betterment of the greater Kansas City area. He also recognized the church leaders in the mid-1990s who had the vision to foster the relationship between the church and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
“We’re open to conversations on how can the church play more of a role in the development of community for everyone in Eastern Jackson County,” Veazey said, “which we also do throughout the world.”
Community of Christ had a big year in 1994.
In April of that year, the church – then known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – officially dedicated its Temple, adjacent to the Auditorium in Independence. Also, the Joint Council of 1994 agreed on Community of Christ for the name change, saying it was consistent with its theology.
And then, in June, 18 years ago, the boards of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (known as the Independence Community Foundation until 1996) and the Independence Regional Health Center Foundation (then owned by Community of Christ) merged boards and assets.
Because of this merger, a permanent grant-making program was created, with assets totaling nearly $2 million, as well as the commitment to support THCF’s operations for five years.
“Without that support, it would be very, very difficult for us to be where we are today,” said Ron Bruch, the 2012 board chairman for Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
At the 17th annual Toast to Our Towns Gala, Community of Christ will receive the Community Partner Award. According to the foundation, “The confidence that Community of Christ placed in the Community Foundation at that time in history led to a significant growth spurt in assets in the five years that followed.”
Additionally, because the Truman Heartland Community Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary in November, the 10 Independence residents who signed the articles of incorporation to create a public community foundation will be honored with a special award.
Five living members will be recognized, including Kyle Conway, Luva Vaughan, Lloyd Uptegrove, Carole Roper Park Vaughan and Carol Sue Bass. The other five, to be recognized posthumously, include Phil Weeks, Lauzon Maxwell, R. Edwin Browne, William A. Piedimonte and Donald E. DeTray.
Community of Christ President Stephen Veazey said he was pleasantly surprised by news of the Community Partner Award since the church doesn’t seek recognition for its work throughout the communities.
“But, at the same time, it was appreciated that at this time of anniversary celebration of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation they did recognize the role the church played, not only in the earlier stages of the foundation, but continues to play,” Veazey said.
Community of Christ has a long history of Independence and Eastern Jackson County being the home to many congregations and church members. But on a deeper level, Veazey said, Community of Christ follows beliefs known as enduring principles.
It is through those principles that Community of Christ works to bring transformation to communities, Veazey said. One of those principles, “Blessings of Community,” is part of the soul of the church and its faith movement, he said.
“We’re always looking to promote, build and enrich community,” Veazey said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
In receiving the Community Partner Award, Veazey said he hopes Eastern Jackson County understands that Community of Christ is committed to strategic partnerships and networks for the betterment of the greater Kansas City area. He also recognized the church leaders in the mid-1990s who had the vision to foster the relationship between the church and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
“We’re open to conversations on how can the church play more of a role in the development of community for everyone in Eastern Jackson County,” Veazey said, “which we also do throughout the world.”
