Ethnic Gala update from Tom

Kansas City Cherokee Community:

 

The Ethnic Enrichment Commission is one of the most visible multi-cultural organizations in Kansas City.  In August, 2013, it held its 34th Annual Ethnic Festival  (flyer attached) in Swope Park -- where more than 40,000 people experienced food and entertainment from different countries and cultures.  The KC Indian Center had a food booth, I was in the Parade of Flags, and Moses Brings Plenty had the stage performance on Saturday night.  The Ethnic Commission also participates in the American Royal Parade, promotes diversity through hundreds of Outreach programs, and gives out 3 scholarships each year. 

 

I represent American Indians on the Ethnic Commission, and Debbie Veatch is my alternate.  Our sponsoring organization is the Kansas City Indian Center.  On the Ethnic Enrichment Commission - we represent all American Indians in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

 

Each Spring, the Ethnic Commission holds the Diplomatic Ball, where 500-600 people celebrate diversity, and showcase the culture of a single country, or group of countries.  American Indians are hosting the Diplomatic Ball this year, and it’s going to be a wonderful event: Haskell Color Guard dancing in the flags;  Terri Whetstone playing flute during dinner;  Buffalo and Salmon for dinner;  Moses Brings Plenty as the Emcee;  American Indian dancers for the cultural entertainment; and XParte as the Rock & Roll dance band.  It’s at the Sheraton (previously the Hyatt Regency), and parking is free. 

 

Once you have attended an Ethnic Ball, it is almost a must do.  My daughters are flying in from San Diego to visit, and they timed their trip to attend their 8th Diplomatic Ball.  It is the premier multi-cultural event in Kansas City, and it’s not expensive when you look at the entire package.  It’s also kid friendly – so everyone from 8 to 80 years enjoys it.  

 

Do not let the “Formal or Ethnic Attire” keep you away.  If you have American Indian regalia, wear it, but it’s not a requirement.  Men can wear suits or sport coats with ties, and women can wear dresses or pant suits.  When you have lederhosen, kilts, and buckskin in the same ballroom, anything works.  I will have on a ribbon shirt, my wife will be in a long dress, my son will be in a suit, and my daughters will be in shorter (younger) dresses.  Like I said, anything works.

 

We don’t know how long it will before American Indians are hosting the Ethnic Ball.  It could be 10 for 15 years down the road.  If you only attend one Ethnic Ball, this is the one.  And forward this message to your friends and family – and bring them with you.

 

For more information, including pictures of the menu items, please open this Diplomatic Ball link.  If you, your family, and any of your friends or co-workers, the tickets are $70 each, or $700 for a whole table.  An invitation with reply cards is attached.  The Ethnic Ball is on March 1, 2014, so please get in your RSVP’s quickly.  On the seating request line of the reply card, put American Indians/Cherokee.

 

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call me at (816) 781-8870, or Chris Molle at (816) 471-4898.

 

As the Ball is quickly approaching, PLEASE contact the Ethnic Enrichment Commission office at (816) 513-7553 to let them know your reservation is in on its way.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Tom Brandom

1st Vice Chair – Ethnic Enrichment Commission

Lifetime Member – KC Indian Center

Board Member – KC Cherokee Community

Enrolled Cherokee