RESOLUTION NO. 260978
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Sponsor: Councilmember Kevin O’Neill
RESOLUTION - Recognizing the Kansas City Irish Center’s Recipients of the John J. Sullivan Jr. Humanitarian Award.
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WHEREAS, the Kansas City Irish Center is celebrating the Heart of America’s Irish Community, and has named Ron Einbender and Keli O’Neill Wenzel as the 2026 recipients of the John J. Sullivan Jr. Humanitarian of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, the John J. Sullivan Jr. Foundation Humanitarian Award is given annually to honorees who exemplify the legacy of Mr. Sullivan’s ethical values, integrity, generosity and goodwill for this community and its people; and
WHEREAS, Ron Einbender is a philanthropist and community leader known for his extensive support of regional humanitarian and cultural organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Einbender and his partner, Dr. Ann Smith, are prominent sponsors of the Summit Future Foundation, which provides comprehensive, whole-life support systems for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Mr. Einbender and Doctor Smith also contribute significantly to the region's public television and educational media; and
WHEREAS, Keli O’Neill Wenzel spearheads many of Kansas City’s premier events, including the popular Kansas City Irish Fest, and orchestrates public events for the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Current, and a host of fundraisers for some of Kansas City’s most notable not-for-profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, those events and others bring millions of dollars of revenue into Kansas City each year; and
WHEREAS, Keli O’Neill Wenzel admits to being the niece of Councilman Kevin O’Neill; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and City Council hereby recognize Ron Einbender’s and Keli O’Neill Wenzel’s many contributions, both civically and philanthropically; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Ron Einbender and Keli O’Neill Wenzel with the appreciation of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for their service to the Kansas City community.
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