Each year, THCF selects individuals and businesses who exemplify a spirit of philanthropy, are devoted to Eastern Jackson County and surrounding communities, and contribute to leadership with distinction and honor, to receive a special THCS award at our annual Toast to Our Towns Gala. We are excited to announce this year’s honorees:
Jim and Mary Stilley - Heartland Humanitarians Award
Continental Siding – Heartland Corporate Citizen Award
As both community leaders and volunteers, Jim and Mary are active in numerous organizations. They are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for their neighbors in Lee’s Summit and beyond. Their interests are varied and focus on everything from children and families, the preservation of our rich local history, advancements in genetic research, as well as the arts. Their outpouring of support, generosity, and thoughtfulness will leave an enduring mark on the entire community. Learn more about Jim and Mary.
Alec Cook is the President and Owner of Continental Siding. Founded by Jerry O’Neal in 1982, Alec worked side by side with Jerry for many years before taking full ownership in 2019. Continental Siding has always been generous to the community, but the Covid crisis caused them to increase their efforts to meet the growing needs of their employees and the surrounding community. All 2,000 Continental Siding employees continued to receive a paycheck throughout the pandemic, regardless of whether they could work or not, to ensure none of his staff ended up in crisis. They even developed a “pay-it-forward” giving campaign, offering employees $500 each to help someone in need. Continental Siding’s giving has a tremendous positive impact in Independence and throughout the region. Learn more about our Corporate Citizen of the Year, Continental Siding.
These prestigious awards will be presented at THCF’s Toast to Our Towns Gala, on September 25, 2021, at the Sheraton Hotel at Crown Center. Other honors being awarded at the event will be the Heartland Service Award, recognizing six area healthcare heroes, and eight local Citizens of the Year Awards, nominated by area mayors. Learn more about the Toast of Our Towns Gala.