Fifteen Leawood Organizations Pool Support for the Kauffman Center

Date: June 2, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Fifteen Leawood organizations, ranging from the Chamber to the Kiwanis, from a garden club to the local historic council, have stepped forward to make a joint contribution to the Kauffman Center. 

Why did Leawood leaders decide to be early partners in a new—downtown Kansas City—performing arts center?  Energetic and visionary civic volunteer Mary Tearney had a lot to do with it. 

Mary Tearney, chair of the Leawood Arts Council, takes a very broad view of that organization’s role in the community.  “Arts organizations like ours must consider and engage with the broader KC region, as so many aspects of our work cross municipal boundaries—the artists themselves, the audiences they reach, the funders they want to develop relationships with.” 

So when the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts came into the picture, it seemed obvious that she should find for a way for the Leawood Arts Council to get involved.  Mary leapt into action and has engaged 14 other Leawood organizations into meaningful, supportive roles. It’s a win-win partnership, Mary believes.

Retiring in the early 1990s after 34 years as an elementary math teacher, Mary Tearney looked for a volunteer role that was as far away from the formulaic nature of computation, metrics and math as she could find.  “I loved helping children learn and grow and mathematics is a long-time love of mine.  But I was ready for something different.  Working with artists and creative types has been really enjoyable—although sometimes challenging for me as a ‘math person’.”

After visiting an art fair in Leawood, Mary offered to volunteer.  She was soon tapped to become a member of the Leawood Arts Council, then a relatively new, and small, organization.  The council tried its hand at studio tours in downtown Kansas City and a photography exhibit at Nick Vedros’ studio.  “From the beginning we didn’t see any conflict with hosting Leawood Arts Council activities in downtown Kansas City.  We wanted to serve our own citizens but have them think about art on a regional basis,” Mary shared. 

In 1999 Mary heard about plans for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.  She attended early information sessions presented by Moshe Safdie, project architect and Yasu Toyota, acoustician.  “I was worried that no one would attend these presentations, it was so early in the process,” she now laughs, “so I made sure to show up.”  Soon Kauffman Center staff began recognizing her in the audience and relationships developed.

Mary was adamant that groups in Leawood find a way to support the Kauffman Center.  “People in our area go to the symphony, the ballet and the opera,” she opined.  “I thought that we should be a part of this outstanding new venue for these groups that we enjoy.”  Mary and her husband, James, made a personal contribution and Mary hatched a plan to involve others.

She called Kevin Jeffries, president and CEO of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce.   He agreed to tap his organization and four others.  Alice Hawk, chair of the Leawood Foundation gamely signed on to approach the foundation and four other organizations.  Ann Kenney and April Bishop, both involved with the Leawood Arts Council, also pitched in to help.

Mary identified five organizations to contact herself, including the Arts Council.  So far, 15 organizations have signed on to support the Kauffman Center with financial contributions. 

“When the Kauffman Center opens, I want a long list of Leawood entities to be listed as donors, Mary says.  “It’s important for us and for the region.” And it looks like that is going to happen—in a great part due to Mary Tearney’s vision, commitment and persistence. 

Read how other local groups are helping the Kauffman Center become a reality:
Prudential Kansas City Realty 
Bristol Seafood Grill, downtown 
Spencer Fane Britt and Brown, LLP 
Kansas City Symphony Musicians