News Release: 11/26/2025

Community Partnership Leads to Successful Holiday Event

Westwood Ensemble is pleased to share an update following the success of its recent community partnership event. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jon Lane, the Ensemble continues to grow its reach and community engagement as a new member of Nonprofit Connect. The group looks forward to sharing more updates as planning begins for its 2026 season.

This season, Westwood Ensemble set a goal to increase its presence across Kansas City through outreach and fundraising. With the help of Board Vice President Lisa Harrison-Hamrick, the organization held two events this fall — the second of which became a true community effort.

On November 25, Westwood Ensemble partnered with Harvesters, KC Bier Co, the Waldo/Brookside Rotary Club, and Emerson & Co. LLC for a combined fundraiser and service project. The original aim was to assemble 50 Holiday Food Boxes for local families. Thanks to strong participation from Woodside members, neighborhood supporters, and local small businesses, that goal was not only met but exceeded.

Volunteers gathered at KC Bier Co to pack the boxes using donated food items, while beer sales throughout the evening supported Westwood Ensemble’s programming. The result was a collaboration that blended service, music, and community involvement — showing what can happen when multiple Kansas City groups work together toward a shared purpose.

Kansas City is home to one of the most active nonprofit communities in the country, with more than 8,000 organizations supported by a strong culture of volunteerism and civic engagement. Events like this reinforce that spirit and highlight how collective efforts can make a meaningful difference.

A special thank-you goes to Marilyn Pace, whose connection to Harvesters helped bring these partners together.

A Note for Nonprofit Connect Members
Several of the introductions that led to this collaboration began through conversations among Woodside members. In appreciation, Woodside is extending a Community Enrollment option to nonprofit professionals through the end of the month:

• $0 enrollment for an individual membership

• 50% off enrollment for couples
  Promo code: NonProfit2025
  Join online: https://www.joinmyhealthclub.com/510398/1/

(This offer expires Nov. 30th and temporarily overrides the current waitlist.)

Learn more:
Westwood Ensemble: https://www.westwoodensemble.com/
Emerson & Co LLC: https://emerson-co.com/
KC Bier Co: https://kcbier.com/
Waldo/Brookside Rotary Club: https://waldobrooksiderotary.club/
Harvesters: https://www.harvesters.org/