Thank you for joining us to let loose at the Johnson County Library Foundation’s signature 2024 event on September 21!
Just because Library Lets Loose is over doesn’t mean you can’t help keep the Johnson County Library digital collection thriving. Consider making a donation to ensure that you – and everyone in our community – can continue to access knowledge, imagination, and the resources you need.
Financial support for this event and the Johnson County Library Foundation helps the Johnson County Library serve the community above and beyond what public funding provides.
2024 Event Highlights:
⭐ Event emcees were Dana Wright and Scott Parks, hosts of the afternoon news talk show Dana and Parks on KMBZ.
⭐ Attendees enjoyed cocktails and delicious bites from 15 local restaurants.
⭐ We danced the night away with an amazing DJ!
⭐ We explored the library while fulfilling a spy mission to win prizes.
⭐ Unique experiences with raffle prizes were awarded.
⭐ Celebrity Volunteers joined us. See below who attended our event!
⭐ We supported the Library in expanding access to digital resources like Libby.
Purchase Raffle Tickets to Win Fabulous Experiences!
Raffle tickets purchased before or during the event were entered into a prize drawing for fabulous experiences.
Prize Experiences Included:
⭐ 4-Night Stay at the Hyatt Resort in the Dominican Republic for 2.
⭐ Trip for 2 to Washington D.C. to visit the International Spy Museum.
⭐ Join KCUR’s Steve Kraske for an elected official or celebrity interview on his radio show and lunch afterward.
⭐ Join Betty Rae’s Ice Cream in their test kitchen at the Merriam location. 6 people will get to meet the Ice Cream Chef Drue Kennedy and taste various flavors.
⭐ Dinner with the County Librarian, Tricia Suellentrop, at Yard House in KC. Ask her questions about the Library and her favorite books.
⭐ MAPS Coffee and Choclate in Lenexa will host a custom roasting class for you and 9 friends. You will get to take home your own blend.
⭐ Experience the world-class National World War I Museum and Memorial. VIP private tour for 6 people. Enjoy the stunning 360-degree views of Kansas City from the top.
⭐ Privately chauffeured 14-passenger luxury coach tour of holiday lights in KC Metro.
⭐ For fans of true crime: Tour the Johnson County Sherriff’s Crime Lab and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Private tour for six people — not offered to the public.
Winners were announced during the event.
Make a Difference as a Sponsor of Library Lets Loose!
Your Sponsorship supports the Johnson County Library Foundation to provide funding for learning resources, programs, and digital resources for patrons of all ages.
If you’d like to become a 2025 sponsor – contact Shelley O’Brien at [email protected]!
Thank you to our 2024 Library Lets Loose Sponsors
Honorary Hosts
Anne & Bill Blessing
Presenting Sponsors
Ann K. Baum
G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen
Charitable Trust/Midwest Trust Trustee
Event Sponsors
Drake Development
Carol & Fred Logan
Bob and Ann Regnier
Stinson, LLP
Vickie & Dale Trott
Sarah & Jon Baum
Chris Anderson & Lyn Buckley
Lisa Larson-Bunnell & Nicholas Bunnell
EBSCO Information Services
Evergy
JCCC Foundation
J. Rieger and Co.
Johnson County Post
Lathrop GPM & Kate Gasper
KC Mom Collective
Menorah Medical Center
Stepp and Rothwell, Inc.
Erwin & Phyllis Abrams
Michael & Renana Abrams
Mary & Don Bush
CBRE
Clark & Enersen
Country Club Bank
Creative Planning
Mark & Sue Carlson
Bunni & Paul Copaken
Bill Chase & Betse Gage
Liz & John Hjalmarson
Dake Wells Architecture
Dave & Dee Dillon
Dysart, Taylor, McMonigle,
Brumitt, and Wilcox, P.C.
Zack & Susie Hangauer
Lundy & Steven Joyce
Kansas Gas Service
Brad Korris & Missy Bruhn
Grant Laham & Kansas Family Dental
Chris & Bonnie Limbird
Pam & Scott Logan
Bill & Peggy Lyons
Shamita & Rajiv Mahajan
McCownGordon Construction
Rick & Denise Mills
Marc & Janise Naughton
Leigh Anne & Bill Neal
Shelley R. O’Brien
Sarah Page
Anjali & Prashant Pandya
Julie Steiner
Greg & Stephanie Stollsteimer
Tricia Suellentrop & Shaun Gregory
Amanda Vega-Mavec & Ethan Mavec
Craig & Liz Wakeman
Debbie & Terry Westlund
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Kris & Harry Campbell
Marsha Daley & Vicki Denk
Sandy & Dave Dess
Mike & Beth Sherry
Thank you to our 2024 Library Lets Loose Volunteers
Co-Chairs
Sarah Page & Anjali Panyda
Celebrity Volunteers
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, Johnson County
Shirley Allenbrand, County Commissioner, 6th District, Board of County Commissioners
Becky Fast, County Commissioner, 1st District, Board of County Commissioners
Janeé Hanzlick, County Commissioner, 4th District, Board of County Commissioners
Kay Heley, Water One, Board Member
Julie Sayers, Mayor, City of Lenexa
Courtney Eiterich, Council Member Ward 1, City of Lenexa
Chelsea Williamson, Council Member Ward 3, City of Lenexa
Lea Loudon, Ward II Councilmember, City of Mission
Logan Heley, City of Overland Park, Council President and Ward 1
Holly Grummert, Council Member, Ward 1, City of Overland Park
Drew Mitrisin, Council Member, Ward 2, City of Overland Park
Inas Younis, Council Member, Ward 5, City of Overland Park
Eric Mikkleson, Mayor, City of Prairie Village
Chi Nguyen, Council Member Ward 3, City of Prairie Village
Laurel Burchfield, Ward 4 Councilmember, City of Shawnee
Jeanie Murphy, Ward 2 Councilmember, City of Shawnee
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
Stephanie Clayton, District 19
Heather Meyer, District 29
Mari-Lynn Poskin, District 20
STATE SENATORS
Cindy Holscher, District 8
Dianh Sykes, District 21
Donna Lauffer, Former County Librarian
2024 Library Lets Loose Committee
Marsha Daley
Kim Flenker Wilburn
Lisa Larson-Bunnell
Kathleen Livingston
Carol Logan
Shamita Mahajan
Rebecca Pankratz
Keegan Prentice
Julie Steiner – Board President
Stann Tate
2023 Event Photos
