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A Parish Tradition of Giving and Celebration

For more than 20 years, St. Michael the Archangel has hosted the parish-wide Defenders' Ball on the weekend before Ash Wednesday — a joyful evening that unites parishioners and friends in fellowship and philanthropy.

 

The fund-a-need typically alternates between supporting internal parish needs and external charitable missions. Past years have funded everything from classroom technology and playground improvements to missions supporting Catholic schools in Africa.

This year, we focus close to home — strengthening the heart of our parish hospitality: our kitchen.

The St. Michael parish kitchen has served our community faithfully since the parish was built in 2009. Since the parish was established, our congregation has grown to 2,600 families and our school to almost 600 students. The kitchen is used several times each week — for funeral luncheons, wedding receptions, parish breakfasts, fish fry, holiday celebrations, and school events.

But the space was never designed for the volume of activity it now supports. The renovation will ensure it continues to serve all who gather here for decades to come.

Planned improvements include:

Structural remodeling to modernize the layout

Updated appliances and food-service equipment

Expanded storage and prep space

Accessibility and energy-efficiency upgrades

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These upgrades will allow us to host parish and school events more efficiently, expand our outreach ministries, maintain a clean and sanitary environment, and continue providing comfort and hospitality to families in times of both joy and sorrow.

Rebuilding the Heart of Our Parish

Event Information

February 14, 2026

6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel

14201 Nall Avenue
Leawood, KS 66223

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Elegant semi-formal attire: Cocktail or formal with a romantic flair. Incorporating red, yellow, or orange in bold or subtle ways is also encouraged but not required!

Photos From previous Defenders' BalLs

Meet the 2026 Defenders' Ball Team

Chairs: Greg & Laura Foote
Co-Chairs: Brandon & Angela Kressin
Emcee: Christa Dubill
Auctioneers: Greg Foote and Aaron Kuhlmann
Auction Coordinators: Kelsey Dolezal and Brittany Glynn
School Auction Coordinators: Ashley Pretzer and Teresa Doty
Communications Coordinators: Katie Geist and Jenna Power
Graphic & Materials Designer: Sargon Shamo
Decorations Coordinators: ​Amy Leaver and Elissa Duncan
Volunteer Coordinators: Kristal Ronnebaum and Nicole Kehres
Food Coordinator: Mollie Hammond
Layout Coordinator: ​Brandy Rea
Video & Production Coordinator: ​Sharon Green
Wine Pull Coordinator: ​Anna Shamo

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