For years, Kansas City Dames hosted their marquee fundraiser, the humbly named Supper Club,
at The American, a restaurant carrying the touch of both James Beard and Joe Baum
overlooking downtown’s sparkling skyline.

Then came COVID. The chapter pivoted to offer an elegant take-home culinary experience that still showcased its many talented members. It was a sold-out success in 2021, but local Dames missed the camaraderie of an in-person event. So, in 2022 it evolved again into a series of Mini Supper Clubs hosted by members and supporters. Two of these intimate dinners have been held so far, generating $6,000, and more are in the works.

Curbside remains popular for another KC tradition, though: the Bastille Day Pique-Nique
featuring grab-and-go picnic bags filled with enough pork rillettes, charcuterie, cheese, dips,
spreads, salads, sweets (including French macarons), cocktails and wine for two. All 100 bags
sold, netting more than $9,000 for the chapter’s educational fund.

Such events make it possible for the chapter to provide scholarships for members attending the annual conference in New York, as well as scholarships to women pursuing further education and training in a culinary field.