Foundation’s Triannual Legacy Dinner Celebrates Giving
RAYMORE, Mo. — Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation hosted its Legacy Dinner on Saturday, November 8, at Centerview in Raymore. The event, held every three years, celebrates giving, service, and dedication to advancing health care in Cass County. The evening featured the presentation of The Foundation Award to Bill Mills and Sonya McLelland, the Dr. Harold E. Kirsch Award to the family of Wanda A. Brown, and the Director Emerita Award to Ethy Christman.
The Foundation Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated steadfast commitment to the mission of Cass Regional Medical Center and to improving the quality of health care in Cass County.
William Mills has long been a champion of community health and philanthropy through his leadership at The Family Center stores and his enduring support of Cass Regional. His generosity and community spirit have played an integral role in expanding access to care and enhancing hospital services for local residents—including funding the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center.
Sonya McLelland dedicated more than 20 years to the Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation, leading with vision and compassion. Under her leadership, the Foundation raised over $7 million, shaping countless programs, campaigns, and events that continue to benefit patients and families across the region.“The Legacy Dinner reminds us that philanthropy isn’t just about dollars raised—it’s about the people behind every gift and every act of service,” said Jennie Snapp, Executive Director of Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation. “Each honoree represents the heart of our mission: caring for others, supporting our hospital, and strengthening our community for generations to come.”
The Dr. Harold E. Kirsch Award is presented posthumously to those who have made a memorable, long-standing contribution to Cass Regional Medical Center and to Cass County.
This year’s award honored Wanda A. Brown, whose family attended to accept the award on her behalf. In 1955, Wanda joined the Harrisonville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, beginning a five-decade relationship with what would later become Cass Regional Medical Center. She served faithfully as an Auxiliary member and officer, Foundation supporter, and tireless advocate for local health care.
Her community impact extended well beyond the hospital. Wanda was named Missouri Mother of the Year (1968), received the Service Above Self Award from the Harrisonville Rotary Club (1997), and was recognized as Individual of the Year by the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce (2002). She received the Key to the City of Harrisonville (2003) and was inducted into the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame (2007).
Wanda was among the Foundation’s earliest major donors, generously directing proceeds from her 1990 cookbook to support hospital programs. In 1999, she established the Wanda Brown Nursing Scholarship, which continues to support nursing students today.
The evening also included special recognition of Ethy Christman, honored as Director Emerita of the Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation.
Established in 2016, the Director Emeritus designation honors board members who have created a lasting legacy through their service. Ethy’s commitment to the Foundation spans nearly every committee and leadership role imaginable. She served on the Program Committee (2012–2024)—including as Chair (2014–2015)—and held key positions on the Fund Development and Community Outreach, Nominating (Chair 2020), and Finance (Chair 2016) Committees.
As co-chair of the Special Events Committee (2020–2024), she helped lead some of the Foundation’s most successful fundraising efforts and continues to serve as a community member on that committee today. Her leadership journey also included nearly every Foundation officer role: Treasurer (2016), Secretary (2017), Vice President (2018), President (2019), and Past President (2020). Earlier in her tenure, she served as the Auxiliary Appointee (2011–2018)—continuing a legacy of deep involvement that began when she first volunteered at the old hospital in 2008.
Ethy embodies the heart of volunteerism and philanthropy. Whether greeting patients, supporting Foundation events, or lending a helping hand behind the scenes, she has become part of the very fabric of Cass Regional.
“The Legacy Dinner is a reflection of what makes Cass Regional special—our people,” said Denise Ashby-Cohen, Foundation Board President. “Honoring individuals like Bill, Sonya, Wanda, and Ethy reminds us that every gift of time, talent, or treasure moves our mission forward and strengthens health care close to home.”
About Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation
Through the charitable support of its donors, the foundation administers programs that make lives better for Cass Regional’s patients, staff, and the greater community. Foundation projects that have made a positive impact include funding for medical equipment; funding for construction of the medical center’s Emergency Department, Chapel, and Healing Garden; scholarship programs, and assistance funds for Cass Regional’s patients and employees. The foundation also supports the maintenance of the Memorial Garden and the Healing Garden on the hospital campus.