What do you think was your most impactful achievement?
When I think about my time at Kansas City Ballet, I, of course, think about the milestone moments over my 18 years with the Ballet. Fundraising for the Todd Bolender Center, the new South Campus and, most recently, more than doubling the Ballet’s endowment through a successful campaign have been pivotal projects for the organization.
And although these are all highlights, the most impactful achievement has been growing a culture of philanthropy and investment in the Ballet. A culture of philanthropy means that everyone (internally and externally to the organization) plays a role in raising the resources that support the mission.
Over the past many years, I have built relationships with people who love the Ballet as much as I do. We all want to see great dance on stage, wonderful training in the studio and all types of people from our community interacting with dance. The only way to achieve great things is together – supporters, volunteers, leadership, dancers, and all the staff. We are all a part of the achievements of Kansas City Ballet.
Is there a particularly memorable moment you recall?
Life during the recent pandemic was hard for everyone. Kansas City Ballet did a great job in making the most of a situation we had no control over. Philanthropy held monthly virtual happy hours on Zoom; dancers, choreographers, artistic and production staff released 15 weekly videos to anyone who wanted to watch; and Ramona Pansegrau re-released several episodes of her radio program on ballet music. All these things and more maintained KC Ballet’s sense of community and connection during the pandemic.
How did your passion for dance influence your work?
I have experienced dance as a dancer, a teacher, an audience member and a parent. These experiences have given me insights that I have been able to share with supporters. They have also given me an understanding of what the organization needs to thrive.
I have had a very long history with KC Ballet. I began as an intern while pursuing my MBA. I returned a couple of years later to fill a marketing position and then returned twice more to lead philanthropy – through the building and opening of the Bolender Center, the expansion of the South Campus, and the Endowment Campaign. My daughter attended the KC Ballet School from ages 3-18, and I met my husband through a KC Ballet co-worker. Essentially my entire adult life has been shaped by the Ballet. It will always be a part of my life.
What will you miss most when you leave?
Definitely, the close relationships I have developed. I know I will continue to see and interact with people, but it just won’t be quite the same.
Describe Kansas City Ballet in one word.
Dynamic.
If you have any questions for the Philanthropy team, please email us at impact@kcballet.org.
HEADER IMAGE: Jennifer Wampler. Photo by David Riffel.
