Honorary Chairs: 
Steve & Joan Israelite
Terry & Betty Snapp

Event Co-Chairs: 
Janice Schonwetter
Patti Simcosky

Presenting Sponsor:
Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal 

Steve and Joan Israelite have long been champions of the arts, education, and community connection in Kansas City. Through decades of civic involvement, university leadership, and arts advocacy, they have helped shape and strengthen the region’s cultural landscape.

Joan’s connection to UMKC began after she moved to Kansas City and continued her education there, while Steve served as an assistant to the university president. Together, they became deeply engaged supporters of UMKC and the arts community, serving on advisory boards, committees, and initiatives focused on strengthening connections among the university, artists, and the broader community.

Recognizing the need for affordable creative spaces and community-centered development, Steve and Joan became strong advocates for an approach that combined art, education, attainable housing, and neighborhood revitalization. As early champions of Englewood Arts, Steve and Joan invested deeply in both its mission and the community behind it. They spent countless hours meeting with artists, supporters, community leaders and potential donors - often over lunches, tours, and one-on-one conversations - helping introduce others to the possibilities and impact of Englewood Arts.Their advocacy, encouragement, and relationship-building helped establish critical early momentum for Englewood Arts.

Throughout their work, Steve and Joan have remained dedicated to bringing people together - connecting artists, educators, civic leaders, philanthropists, and neighbors around a shared belief in the power of creativity and community. Their leadership, generosity, and encouragement continue to leave a lasting impact on Kansas City and beyond.

Betty and Terry Snapp have spent more than 50 years serving the Independence community through leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. 

Terry built a career in pharmacy before moving into community development and nonprofit leadership. He worked with Neighborhood Councils of Independence, Share, Inc., Park University, and Truman Medical Centers, now University Health, where he retired as executive director of the Truman Medical Center Foundation.

A passionate advocate for the Englewood neighborhood, Terry became deeply involved in the creation of Englewood Arts nonprofit and served as the organization’s founding board president. In the early years of the organization, he played a vital role in shaping Englewood Arts' vision and future. Terry met with countless donors, supporters, and community leaders to build enthusiasm and investment in the project, helping launch and realize much of the organization’s capital campaign. His leadership and steady guidance helped carry Englewood Arts through the art center’s major renovation and transformation into the community arts center it is today.

Betty became a regional leader in advocating for children with developmental disabilities and early intervention programs. She co-founded Sunshine Center School in the 1970s and served as its executive director for decades, helping pave the way for stronger educational services for children with disabilities throughout Eastern Jackson County.

Together, the Snapps have supported countless community efforts, including founding a neighborhood meal at Stone Church that grew to serve hundreds of people weekly. Known on their Englewood block as the “cookie house,” Betty and Terry have long opened their home, hearts, and time to neighbors, friends, and community members alike.

Their legacy is one of servant leadership, generosity, and a steadfast belief in building stronger communities through kindness, connection, and action.