Monday, Sept. 21, 2026
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, Missouri
Celebrating One Hundred Years
One hundred years ago, the people of Kansas City made a promise: to honor those who served in World War I, not only with words but through action. That promise became the Liberty Memorial. That story became the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Now, we invite you to carry that spirit forward.
Join Kansas City's civic leaders alongside national and international dignitaries for an unforgettable evening of inspiring tributes and a reception welcoming honored guests whose generosity and vision have shaped a century of remembrance.
Be among those who Remember Forward.
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5:30 p.m. | VIP Cocktail Reception
(Exclusive to VIP ticketed guests)
Made possible by
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6 p.m. | Reception
(Open to all ticketed guests)
A century in the making. Celebrate the Museum and Memorial's 100-year milestone with a welcome reception featuring exceptional cuisine and curated libations.
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7:30 p.m. | Centennial Program
In Helzberg Hall, the Kansas City Symphony joins us for an evening of music, tribute and inspiration – because memory is only meaningful when we carry it forward.
Cap the evening with a view of Liberty's Beacon as it makes its debut on the Tower, illuminating the Memorial.
Centennial Gala Sponsor
As a Centennial Gala Sponsor, you align with one of the nation’s most respected cultural institutions at a defining moment in history – helping to shape how this moment is remembered and carried forward.
Individual Tickets
For questions about sponsorship, contact:
Paige Doty Gammon
pgammon@theworldwar.org
816.888.8137
Frequently Asked Questions
We can't wait to celebrate this milestone evening with you. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often – if you don't see yours, please reach out any time.
Arrival and attire
Cocktail or business attire is recommended for the evening.
While there is no sit-down dinner, we will have ample hors d’oeuvres and refreshments during the reception portion of the evening.
We recommend arriving in time to enjoy the full reception before the program begins in Helzberg Hall. Your mobile ticket will include the evening's schedule of arrival, reception and program times.
Have your mobile ticket ready upon arrival and visit any event staffer with a mobile ticket scanner to check in for the evening. Tickets will be emailed from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in the weeks before the event.
Parking and venue
Yes – complimentary valet and complimentary self-parking are both available at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for all guests.
The reception takes place in the beautiful grand lobby of Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Brandmeyer Great Hall, and the program portion of the evening – including the Guardian Spirit Award presentation – takes place in Helzberg Hall.
Yes, the Kauffman Center is fully ADA accessible. If you have a specific accessibility request or seating consideration, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
Contact us at 816.888.8171 or email rsvp@theworldwar.org.
Tickets and seating
All registered guests will receive an email from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with their mobile ticket and seating assignment in the weeks leading up to Sept. 21. Don’t forget to check your junk/spam folder.
Please contact us at 816.888.8171 or email rsvp@theworldwar.org as soon as possible with any changes to your registration or guest count so we can update our records and your seating accordingly.
Celebration Highlights
During the reception, guests will step into the stories of individuals whose lives were shaped by the Great War; see artifacts sealed away a century ago alongside the new Centennial time capsule now being prepared; and watch calligraphers create an archival volume of supporters bound for the new capsule – a page of the historical record.
The program portion features a collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony; the presentation of the Guardian Spirit Award honoring Courage, Honor, Patriotism and Sacrifice; and the world premiere of Liberty's Beacon, an artistic light installation created in celebration of our centennial year, transforming the Liberty Memorial Tower into a canvas of color and light.
Details on program length and timing will be included with your mobile ticket in the weeks ahead.
Additional details
Yes, photography will be available throughout the evening, including during the reception.
This year, we will not be hosting a raffle or auction, allowing us to keep the evening focused on celebrating the Museum and Memorial's centennial. If you would like to make a contribution in support of the celebration, gifts are gratefully accepted.
We're happy to help with anything not covered here – please don't hesitate to reach out to our team directly at 816.888.8171 or rsvp@theworldwar.org.
Event Chairs
Rebecca and Aaron Graham
Darcy and Lindsey Stewart
Heidi and Ethan Whitehill
Centennial Gala Legacy Sponsor
Centennial Gala Premier Sponsors
The Hackman Family
Shirley and Barnett C. Helzberg Jr.
Jack F. and Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation / Midwest Trust / Thomas A. McDonnell
Carol and John Kornitzer
Centennial Gala Patron Sponsors
Michael and Jennifer Ensz
William L. Frick
Sherman Family Foundation
Centennial Gala Grand Sponsors
Jeff and Susann Anthony
Bart and Joanie Bergman Family
The Bergman Family / Midwest Trust / FCI Advisors
Colliers International
Constance M. Cooper Charitable Foundation
Gary and Sherry Forsee
The Haverty Family Foundation
Thomas and Mindy Herzog
Joan Horan
Hunt Midwest
Theresa Kostrzewa
Milbank Manufacturing
Monarch Build, LLC
Richard and Mary Jo Myers
Polsinelli
Regnier Family Foundation
Radha and Ram Shankar
Torch.AI
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Connie H. Waldrop
Centennial Gala Partner Sponsors
Bud and Jennifer Bacon
Ann Baum - G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
Belinder Oaks, LLC
Peter and Lynne Brown
Pete Browne and Julie Walker Browne
Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder
Cerris
Commerce Bank
Dr. Doug and Barbara Cusick and Family
Joe Dziezynski and Leslie Beavers / BAE Systems, Inc
Joseph and Diana Eisenach
Larry and Cynthia Eisenhauer
Enterprise Mobility
Ever Glades Fund / Landon and Sarah Rowland
Ellen and Irv Hockaday Jr.
Blair and Caroline Hosford
Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department
Dave, Lisa and Katie Klose
Elaine Drodge Koch and Steve Koch / Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Frank and Diane Koranda
James and Karla Lee
Matthew and Tere Naylor
Barbara and Bill Nelson Family
Oracle
M. Gayle Packer
Allen and Debra Parmet
Pritzker Military Foundation
Sidney and Jeannine Richison
Russell Stover Chocolates
Brett Strand and Trina Ricketts
Dennis and Mary Beth Welzenbach
White-Simchowitz Family Charitable Fund
Tom and Loren Whittaker
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