Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Banquet

The annual Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Banquet began in 1990 through the vision of educator Jacque DeJesus and parenting expert Barbara Unell.  The event is the culmination of STOP Violence's Kindest Kansas Citian Essay Contest where three essayists and the person they chose as their Kindest Kansas Citian are honored, along with Honorary Stars. 

The process leading up to this event begins as area students submit one-page essays nominating a non-family member over the age of 18 they know as their Kindest Kansas Citian.  Generally, STOP Violence receives somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 essays.  Three different volunteers then read every essay narrowing the essays to a top 100.  From the top 100, the 20 most touching essays are chosen, and the three winners come from the top 20.  In years past, every top 20 essayist, their Kindest Kansas Citian, and two family members are given free admission to the banquet.

The night of the banquet includes a silent auction and reception hour prior to the beginning of the festivities.  Local businesses, individuals and student artists donate items for the event to raise funds to support the programs of STOP Violence.  This is an excellent opportunity for patrons to mingle amongst some of the kindest people Kansas City has to offer.

At the banquet, emceed by Kris Ketz of KMBC Channel 9, each of the three essay finalists reads his or her essay on-stage to their winner.  These moments often tug on the heartstrings of all in attendance and provide cherished memories for both the student and their chosen Kindest Kansas Citian.

The Honorary Stars also play a significant role in the evening.  These stars, leaders throughout the Kansas City area, exemplify kindness in all they do each and every day.  These are people in the spotlight who go out of their way to do kind acts that often go unnoticed.  This is a night for people to notice these acts and how simple acts of kindness inspire others.

Event co-sponsor, KMBC Channel 9, runs pieces spotlighting the three winning essayists and their nominee on the three nights leading up to the event. 

The Kansas City Star runs a spot in their FYI section, including the three winning essays, on the Sunday of the event. 

The Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Banquet is a truly unique event that brings together people from all walks of life throughout the Kansas City area to celebrate small and large acts of kindness and to help bring our city a little closer together.