On May 13, Southtown held its annual Beautification Award dinner at Benjamin Ranch. In keeping with the western-style setting, the theme of this year’s ceremony was “Blazing Trails,” and the honorees were certainly a “round-up” of the best individuals and organizations that work to keep Southtown beautiful. Businesses and organizations honored included Gates Management, Walk on Water Ministries, Commerce Bank, Mazuma Credit Union, Research Medical Center, South Broadland Presbyterian Church, Center Alternative School, the Kansas City Zoo, the City of Kansas City Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments, and Forest Hill Cemetery. Individuals honored included Mrs. Bea Davis, widow of former Kansas City Mayor Ilus B. Davis, Ruth Austin and CAN Officers Aaron Shilcutt and Chris DeFreece, and Missouri State Senator Yvonne Wilson. Benjamin Ranch, which will be relocating later this year to make way for the Bannister Mall redevelopment project, was presented with a special award in appreciation for their many years of hosting the event.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors that made this event possible along with the Southtown Program Committee members!