RESOLUTION NO. 230421
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Sponsor: Councilmember Katheryn Shields
RESOLUTION - Congratulating Jeffrey J. Bentley on his retirement after twenty-plus years with the Kansas City Ballet.
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WHEREAS, dance has played a central role throughout Jeff's entire life starting as a dancer and later an arts administrator; and
WHEREAS, since Jeff's arrival in 1998 to become the Executive Director, Kansas City Ballet has grown its budget nearly fivefold; and
WHEREAS, during Jeff's tenure, the KCB School has grown from 150 students to 650 students in its Academy on two campuses in downtown Kansas City, Missouri and Johnson County, Kansas; and
WHEREAS, community programs have grown to reach more than 20,000 adults and children in the Kansas City community; and
WHEREAS, Jeff's tireless work with community partners and supporters made the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, the Ballet's permanent home, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Ballet's performance stage, realities for KCB; and
WHEREAS, Jeff has led significant fundraising campaigns including $35 million for the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity; $2 million for an all-new Nutcracker; $20 million to increase the endowment; and $2.1 million for a new South Campus at Meadowbrook; and
WHEREAS, throughout the recent pandemic Jeff's steady leadership brought Kansas City Ballet through the uncertainties with extraordinarily successful results; and
WHEREAS, Jeff has dedicated his heart and soul to Kansas City Ballet and its vision of Outstanding Dance Experiences Accessible to All; and its mission To Engage and Inspire Through the Beauty, Power and Passion of Dance; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council here by congratulate Jeffrey J. Bentley on his retirement after twenty-five years with the Kansas City Ballet; ...
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