Update as of Friday, April 17 at 2:30pm

The KVC Gala is still on, and we’re closely monitoring the weather. Please use caution as you travel to The Abbott this evening.

We’ve adjusted the schedule slightly: the Patron Party will now begin at 6:30 PM, where Jason Hooper, KVC Health Systems President and CEO, will recognize our top sponsors. Doors will open to all guests at 7:00 PM as normal.

We look forward to seeing you—stay safe on your way!

Join KVC Health Systems for an unforgettable evening Around the World where connection, elegance and impact come together. Chaired by Rob and Jennifer Welker, Hoefer Welker, and honorary chairs Brian Dunn and Mike Comer, JE Dunn, this premier Kansas City gala will feature exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails, live music and immersive experiences inspired by iconic global destinations.

More than a celebration, KVC’s Around the World Gala fuels life-changing mental health care and critical support for children and families in our community. Last year, KVC impacted 84,922 children and families by providing hope and healing when it was needed most.

6:30 PM – Patron Party Begins

Sponsors are invited to enjoy exclusive access to our VIP lounge, where globally inspired cocktails flow and the evening begins with a taste of destinations around the world.

7:00 PM – Social Hour

Check in at the registration table once you arrive and prepare for takeoff. Bid on once-in-a-lifetime silent auction experiences, grab a limited-edition, highly sought-after Surprise Box and enter the 50/50 raffle for your chance at the pot.

Then, enjoy a whiskey tasting from Tom’s Town Distilling Co., a cigar from The Shop Cigar Lounge, get a custom design from Essential Henna and make your way through curated stops, each inspired by global destinations.

8:00 PM – Gala Emcee, Neville Miller of KMBC9, kicks off our program

8:15 PM – Live Auction Begins with George Nigro & The Nigro Brothers

Whether you’re dreaming of choosing your escape to Italy, Portugal or Ireland, reveling in the electric energy of a World Cup quarterfinal in Kansas City, or unwinding during a week-long stay in Santa Fe, these unforgettable experiences could be yours.

Prefer something closer to home? Step into a Chiefs Broadcast Suite on the 50-yard line, enjoy a stacked lineup of country concerts at Morton Amphitheater, or stock your bar with a curated collection of high-end spirits. Every winning bid helps set children and families in crisis on a path toward hope and healing, so go ahead and bid big!

8:40 PM – Fund-A-Need

Every journey can change direction through a single moment of connection. Your support helps children and families move from crisis to safety, planting roots of resilience that last.

9:00 PM – Live Music Begins with Talya Groves

Move through the night with an incredible live performance by Talya Groves as your backdrop. Sip, mingle and explore from the patio to the rooftop deck, taking in new views and fresh energy at every turn.

9:30 PM – Silent Auction Closes

Winners of the Silent Auction will be notified via text message.

11:00 PM – That’s a Wrap!

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring KVC’s Gala is a powerful way to align your business or family with one of Kansas City’s most respected nonprofits while making a direct impact on children’s lives. Your support helps deliver critical mental health care, protect children from abuse and neglect, and strengthen families before crisis occurs.

Join us as a Gala Sponsor and help ensure every child’s journey leads somewhere brighter.

Click here for sponsorship details or contact Amanda Smasal, asmasal@kvc.org, 913-912-0457.

You may also make a donation here.

This year, your passport unlocks more than just the night.

Enjoy first-class access to extraordinary auction items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with a preview of a few highlights below.

Get details about all the auction items available tonight!