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HOWIE MANDEL TAKES THE KC IMPROV STAGE AS THIS YEAR’S STAND UP FOR SYNERGY COMEDIAN

By Megan Neher on May 15, 2012

Zona Rosa Community Foundation’s Comedy Fundraiser for Synergy Services Set for Oct. 27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Zona Rosa is pleased to announce Howie Mandel as its sixth annual celebrity comedian to be featured at its charity fundraiser to benefit Synergy Services. Mandel has been in show business for more than 30 years and is currently one of the judges on NBC’s hit talent competition series “America’s Got Talent” alongside Sharon Osborne and Howard Stern.

Host and executive producer of “Mobbed,” an unscripted Fox series about prank flash mobs, Mandel also has recently co-hosted “Live! With Kelly” several times and continues to travel the country for hundreds of standup comedy appearances a year.

Stand Up for Synergy, which started in 2007 and has raised more than $1.4 million for Synergy Services, will attract a sell-out crowd of attendees on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Improv Comedy Club at Zona Rosa.

The annual comedy event presented by the Zona Rosa Community Foundation raises funds for Kansas-City based Synergy Services. The charity’s mission is to end family violence through crisis response, shelter, counseling, advocacy and education. The comedy fundraising gala will offer sponsors a full evening of hilarity, including a private VIP reception, a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, dinner in the comedy club, and of course the feature presentation: an exclusive comedy routine by the actor, comedian, game show host, best-selling author, television producer and talk show host.

“Stand Up for Synergy represents the cornerstone of our commitment to improving the local community,” said Rosemary Salerno, general manager of Zona Rosa. “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor to this event and especially excited to bring another well-known comedian to Kansas City.”

North Kansas City Hospital and Wireless Lifestyle are top sponsors for the event as well. Additional sponsors will be announced soon. To become a sponsor, please visit www.standupforsynergy.org.

“Everyone needs a good laugh, even in the face of a serious cause such as domestic violence. We understand to maintain Stand Up for Synergy as one of Kansas City’s top charity fundraisers, it is very important to bring in incredible celebrity comedians like Howie Mandel,” said Dr. Frank Totta who along with Niki Totta and Josh Mitchem will chair the event.

Howie Mandel didn’t start off on the path to fame in the entertainment world. After high school, he began his career as a carpet salesman in Toronto. While in Los Angeles with some friends in 1979, Mandel took a dare to go on stage during an amateur comedy night at The Comedy Store. It was a great night to accept a dare, as there was a producer in the audience who recognized talent in Mandel. This producer was able to place Mandel on the game show “Make Me Laugh,” and soon he was hitting the talk show circuit as a featured comedian. He also opened for singer Diana Ross on one of her tours.

In 1982, Mandel was fortunate to take on the role of Dr. Wayne Fiscus in the hit medical drama “St. Elsewhere,” and became a household name after six seasons on the show. Two years later, he was the voice of Gizmo in the blockbuster movie Gremlins.

During this time, Mandel was also touring North America and performing his stand-up comedy routines. One of his comedy bits was the character “Bobby,” who was four years old and had audiences in stitches because of his view of the world around him. Bobby became one of Mandel’s trademarks, and evolved into an animated television show that ran eight seasons on FOX.

After doing his own sketch comedy show on Showtime called Howie Mandel’s Sunny Skies, as well as an attempt at a syndicated talk show, Mandel became the host of NBC’s new game show “Deal or No Deal” in 2005, which immediately became a smash hit with viewers, in no small part due to the warmth and humor Mandel brought to the show.

In 2009, Howie added another title to his resume, author, when he released his frank, funny, no-holds-barred memoir: Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me. The memoir that revealed his ongoing struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder and ADHD – and how it has shaped his life and career made the New York Times Bestseller list in its first week and remained on the list for several consecutive weeks.

Mandel lives in Los Angeles with his wife Terry and their three children.

Stand Up for Synergy seating is very limited. Companies or individuals interested in sponsorships should contact Synergy Services Stand Up Hotline at 816-505-4907 or email standup@synergyservices.org or visit www.standupforsynergy.org for more details.

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RA Sushi to host annual fundraiser May 27 – June 2

By Megan Neher on April 25, 2012

RA Sushi to Host 8th Annual Nicky’s Week on May 27-June 2

Proceeds from select menu items benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

LEAWOOD, Kan. – RA Sushi will host its eighth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago.

The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $943,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and RA Sushi hopes to surpass the $1 million mark this year.

The special Nicky’s Week menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages.

All 25 RA Sushi locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and Texas will participate in the fundraiser. Visit the Leawood location at 11638 Ash St., in the Park Place shopping district.

Nicky’s Week was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Ariz., who lost a long battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the young age of 13. A nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates throughout the organization. RA Sushi initiated the fundraiser to honor the memory of Nicky and to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.

“RA Sushi is honored to continue to support St. Jude and help them with their life-changing mission, said Scott Kilpatrick, co-founder and vice president of RA Sushi. “We want to help ensure their services remain available to children and families battling serious illness.”

All donations from the weeklong effort will help support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which has treated children from all 50 states and around the world. Known primarily as a cancer research center, St. Jude doctors and researchers also treat children with sickle cell disease and pediatric HIV.

About RA Sushi

A “RA”ckin’ vibe, popular music, and distinctive Japanese fusion cuisine sets RA Sushi Bar Restaurant apart from a typical sushi joint. RA opened its first location in Scottsdale, Ariz. in 1997 and has since expanded to include 25 locations throughout the United States. Consistently awarded for its fresh sushi, creative cocktails, killer happy hour, and musically inspired nightlife, at RA good food and good times go hand-in-hand.

RA Sushi Leawood is located in Park Place at 11638 Ash St. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Dinner is served until 11 p.m. daily. The bar is open until 1 a.m. or later. Happy Hour food specials are offered Monday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. and drink specials are available all day. On Sunday nights, RA Sushi’s Flying Fish Lounge is the perfect place to catch some food specials from 8 p.m. to midnight and drink specials are offered all day.

RA has 25 locations across the country. Enjoy RA Sushi in Arizona (Ahwatukee, Mesa, North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson); California (Chino Hills, Corona, Huntington Beach, San Diego, Torrance and Tustin); Florida (Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines and South Miami); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard); Kansas (Leawood); Maryland (Baltimore); Nevada (Las Vegas); and Texas (two Houston locations and Plano). Look for RA on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Pinterest, and check in at RA Sushi on Foursquare. For more information visit RA online at www.RAsushi.com.

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DONATE A PINT OF BLOOD, RECEIVE A PINT OF BLUE BELL ICE CREAM

By Megan Neher on April 25, 2012

“Pint-for-Pint” blood drive will be at all Community Blood Center locations May 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In the time it takes to eat a pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream you could save a life by donating blood on May 1 during the annual Blue Bell Ice Cream “Pint-for-Pint” blood drive at local Community Blood Center locations.

Blue Bell Ice Cream has partnered with Kansas City’s Community Blood Centers for the special
“Pint-for-Pint” blood drive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 1 to help boost blood collections prior to the traditionally slow summer months. Historically, Memorial Day through Labor Day is a particularly tough time to recruit blood donors because of vacations and other summertime activities. Summer blood donations decrease about 20 percent while demand for blood increases.

A variety of flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be available at the following metro area Community Blood Center locations.

Missouri

7265 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone
4040 Main, Kansas City
3122 Frederick, St. Joseph

Kansas

10568 Metcalf, Overland Park
800 SW Lane St., Topeka

Did you know:

°      One in three Americans will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime.

°      Two is the number of lives saved by one pint of donated blood.

°      Donors are eligible to give whole blood every 56 days.

°      The Community Blood Center provides blood to patients in 72 area hospitals in Kansas and Missouri.

Blue Bell Ice Cream is the third bestselling ice cream in the country although it is only available in 18 states, including Kansas and Missouri. The ice cream has attracted what USA Today has called “a cult-like following” in the markets where it is sold and among transplanted Blue Bell lovers everywhere. In 2007, Blue Bell celebrated its 100th anniversary at its headquarters in Brenham, Texas, a town of about 12,000 people located 70 miles northwest of Houston.

Call 888-647-4040 today to schedule an appointment or to find out how you can sponsor a blood drive at your job, church or community or visit online at:  www.savealifenow.org.

 

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EXHIBIT OPENS AT PARISI CAFÉ WITH FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION

By Megan Neher on April 25, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As part of its long standing commitment to the arts, Parisi Café will debut the paintings of local artist Pam Peffer during a special First Friday gallery opening and artist talk in the café from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 4.

The local artisan coffee roaster opened its first café in the historic Union Station last September and will feature artist’s work on the walls of the café throughout the year. The art partnership was developed with Eva Reynolds Gallery, 4851 W. 134th Street, Leawood, Kan. A variety of art works will be displayed throughout the year in partnership with the gallery. For more information please visit www.evareynoldsfinearts.com.

The First Friday event on May 4 will include: a chance to meet artist Pam Peffer and learn about her inspiration for her paintings; her featured work on display in the Parisi Café gallery; wine and cheese sampler; and seasonal coffee samples. For more information about the artist, please visit www.pampeffer.com.

Kansas City-based Parisi Artisan Coffee first began roasting coffee inKansas Cityabout six years ago. Since the beginning, the company has expressed a true commitment to support local arts programs including its new coffee bag designs which feature three ofKansas City’s arts community organizations in the design of each bag of coffee. The new coffee bags, which can be found at nearly allKansas Citygrocery stores, showcase The Kansas City Ballet, Quixotic Fusion and The Kansas City Symphony. The organization spotlights are used to help spread awareness for the organizations, build brand identity and develop synergy between Parisi Coffee and the company’s longtime community arts partners. The partnership with local artists to feature artwork in the café is another way Parisi intends to support the arts inKansas City.

The new Cafe is adjacent to the Grand Hall on the main level of Union Station at30 W. Pershing Road,Kansas City,Mo.The Cafe features its own coffee as well as barista-prepared lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffees and more – all freshly brewed for each order. It also offers a retail section of Parisi Coffee by the bag, coffee products and quick breakfast and lunch items. There is seating inside the coffee shop, tables in the back as well as café-style tables in Union Station’s main plaza. The Café is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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JAMIE MCMURRAY AND HIS NO. 1 MCDONALD’S CHEVROLET TO MAKE PIT STOP IN KC

By Megan Neher on April 18, 2012

DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION JAMIE MCMURRAY AND HIS NO. 1 MCDONALD’S CHEVROLET TO MAKE PIT STOP IN KANSAS CITY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jamie McMurray, driver of the No.1 McDonald’s Chevrolet for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR), will greet the public at 6 p.m. Friday, April 20 at McDonald’s, 6996 Eastwood Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo 64129 following his practice at Kansas Speedway and only two days before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race.

McMurray will sign autographs, take photos and greet the public during a special McDonald’s event to celebrate the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Kansas Speedway on April 22. McMurray may even help work in the drive-thru! McMurray’s No. 1 McDonald’s Chevrolet Show Car will also be on display. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to Friday’s event where the Show Car will be on display from 11 a.m. through 7:30 p.m., the No. 1 McDonald’s Show Car also will make two additional appearances at area McDonald’s where fans are invited to see and photograph the car on display.

Show Car locations:
Thursday, April 19
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
McDonald’s, 11801 E. 40 Hwy, Independence, Mo. 64055

Saturday, April 21
10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
McDonald’s, 10555 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. 66111

About Jamie McMurray
Jamie McMurray rejoined the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season and had a career-best year, winning three races including season opening Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Bank of America 500 at Charlotte driving the No.1 McDonald’s/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. Throughout his NASCAR career, McMurray has raced in the NSCS, NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (CWTS) with a total of 15 wins, 14 pole awards, 75 top-five finishes, and 170 top-10 finishes.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. There are 123 independently owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Area. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 12,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.

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