Q for a Cause: a benefit for DEBATE-KC with BBQ and jazz in the Crossroads

April 13, 2017May 25, 2017

Read Time:1 Minute, 57 Second

Kansas City Kansas Community College

The Levy Craig Law Firm

Lynn Shaw

Stinson Leonard Street LLP

UMKC Communication Studies

On Saturday, May 13th, 2017 DEBATE-Kansas City held Q for a Cause: a benefit for DEBATE-KC with BBQ and jazz in the Crossroads. More than 100 DKC supporters attended, including special guest Jason Kander, former Missouri Secretary of State and current President of Let America Vote. Steve Kraske of KCUR and The Kansas City Star was the M.C. for the evening and did a fantastic job keeping the audience engaged. The Peter Schlamb Trio played jazz all night as guests enjoyed their BBQ and beverages.

The Waldo BBQ competition team generously cooked and provided the Q for the night, which significantly reduced DKC’s expenses and helped increase the funds raised from the event. DKC Board member Andy Atkins is part of the Waldo BBQ team and the event was his idea. Andy led DKC’s Fundraising Committee in planning the event and he was DKC’s 2017 Aaron Thomas Volunteer of the Year for all his hard work. DEBATE-KC plans to host this event every year, making Andy’s contribution one that will pay dividends for many years to come.

DKC’s Executive Director Gabe Cook spoke to the audience as did DKC’s Board President, Shane Mecham. Both discussed the benefits of debate and stressed why supporting DEBATE-KC is so important in making sure that all students in Kansas City, regardless of zip code, have access to debate. Once Shane Mecham closed his remarks, their was one last bit of programming.

Corey Fisher, DKC graduate and the 2017 CEDA College Debater of the Year, was presented a special scholarship from The Mentors Foundation to support him next year as he coaches at Kansas City Central, a DKC member school. The Mentors Foundation has provided DKC generous support for the past several years and their President, Marilyn Mecham, was at the event to present Corey with the award in person. Corey was honored and the audience enjoyed seeing DKC program take a step forward before their eyes. The Central debate has enjoyed many past successes but has struggled the past few years. It is DKC’s hope that with Corey serving as an assistant coach that the Central team will re-launch and find success once again.