Their story isn’t just one of giving, but of thoughtful, strategic philanthropy that has created lasting change in Kansas City and beyond.

While their support extended to many organizations, Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) played a vital role in helping them manage, grow, and maximize their charitable impact. By utilizing a range of philanthropic tools, they built a legacy that continues to benefit future generations.

This year, as we reflect on the many donors who have shaped our community, we take a special moment to honor Joanne Cable, who passed in 2024, and Gene Cable, who passed away in 2022. Their legacy, built over decades of giving, is a testament to the power of philanthropy done with intention, care, and heart. While they are no longer with us, the impact of their generosity continues through the scholarships, endowments, and community investments they so thoughtfully created.

A Life of Hard Work and Purposeful Giving

Gene Cable built an automotive empire in Kansas City, founding what would become Cable Dahmer Chevrolet, one of the region’s most successful dealerships. But success in business was only part of his story. He and Joanne believed wealth should be used to lift others up—a value they carried throughout their 72-year marriage.

They never limited themselves to one cause. Their giving evolved over time, spanning scholarships, healthcare investments, arts funding, and community support. Joanne, deeply involved in local philanthropy, served as a docent at the Truman Library, and played a leadership role in the Junior Service League. Gene, equally committed, never forgot his humble beginnings on a farm in northern Missouri, giving back to Gilman City High School through their FFA chapter. 

Strategic Giving Through Truman Heartland

In 1998, the Cables established a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at Truman Heartland, recognizing the value of having a trusted partner to help manage their giving. Over the years, THCF helped them identify opportunities, facilitate grants, and ensure their gifts had maximum impact.

One of their greatest passions was education. In 2011, they established the Gene and Joanne Cable Scholarship, supporting graduating seniors from Truman, William Chrisman, and Van Horn High Schools. Understanding the financial burdens students face, they also provided ongoing scholarship renewals to help recipients complete their degrees. Their commitment to education extended to Longview Community College, where they funded automotive scholarships to support students entering the trade industry.

But their giving was never limited to just one approach. They used Truman Heartland to facilitate grants, create endowments, and support urgent community needs. Joanne particularly valued how THCF could connect them with causes they might not have known about, allowing them to make both large-scale contributions and smaller, targeted gifts that filled critical funding gaps.

Beyond Truman Heartland: A Wide-Ranging Philanthropic Vision

While Truman Heartland was an important partner, the Cables’ generosity spanned far beyond a single foundation. They personally invested in healthcare, the arts, and community spaces, ensuring that their giving touched every corner of the region.

• Children’s Healthcare: Their donations helped bring cutting-edge medical equipment to Eastern Jackson County. They funded an MRI machine for Children’s Mercy East Hospital, and contributed a 3D medical printer to St. Luke’s Cardiatric Center Hospital. Additionally, they created an endowment at Children’s Mercy East to support nursing students.
• The Arts & Music Education: Joanne was a board member at the Music/Arts Institute in Independence, where the Cables funded scholarships for students and improvements to the building. Additionally, they gave a scholarship to a young man who went through the entirety of the program. When Joanne passed, he attended and played music at her memorial service, and the family was very touched by his performance.  
• Community Infrastructure: They didn’t just donate to organizations—they built lasting structures. One of their landmark contributions was funding the construction of a home, on the Drumm Farm Campus to house foster parents and their children.  They also gifted a water fountain to Powell Gardens, creating a serene gathering space for visitors.
• Community Development: Gene was active in the Independence Rotary club all throughout his career. He made contributions to their community projects that helped the CSL, City of Independence and Hope House. He was instrumental in the 1960s and 70’s in putting together the charter for the City of Independence.  

A Family Legacy That Lives On

For Gene and Joanne, philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks—it was about instilling a deep sense of responsibility in their family. Their daughter, Cindy Cavanah, continued to pursue her own lifestyle of philanthropy and giving back to communities. She has served on the board of Truman Heartland Foundation for 9 years, and the Drumm Farm Center for Children for 20 years, as well as on the Independence Chamber Board. She continues to manage their endowments at Truman Heartland, ensuring that their legacy of giving endures.

Their mindset every day was focused on generosity, shaping a legacy that is still being written. Through endowments, scholarships, and strategic investments, the Cables have ensured that their wealth will continue to benefit Kansas City for generations to come.

An Inspiration for Future Philanthropists

Not everyone has the level of resources the Cables did. But their story isn’t just about the amount they gave—it’s about the way they gave. They used Truman Heartland’s tools to make strategic, high-impact donations while also ensuring personal, heartfelt contributions to the causes they cared about most.

For those looking to leave their own mark, the Cables provide an inspiring example:

✅ Start with passion—find the causes that matter most to you.

✅ Use strategic giving tools—partner with organizations like THCF to grow your impact.

✅ Think long-term—consider endowments and scholarships to create a lasting legacy.

Though Gene and Joanne are no longer with us, their generosity continues changing lives every day. Their impact is not just measured in dollars, but in the students they empowered, the families they uplifted, and the community they strengthened. Their story serves as a reminder that philanthropy, when done with purpose, can truly shape the future.