ST. MICHAEL’S VETERANS CENTER RAISES $70,000 AT CELEBRATION OF HEROES GALA TO SUPPORT KANSAS CITY VETERANS

 Annual event honors community leaders and fuels continued expansion of veteran housing and services in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 30, 2026) – St. Michael’s Veterans Center, a nonprofit organization that provides quality, affordable housing to veterans, hosted the 12th annual Celebration of Heroes event, bringing together hundreds of community members and organizations to support veterans experiencing homelessness or disability in the Kansas City metro.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the event raised $70,000 directly supporting permanent, affordable housing and wraparound services for veterans at St. Michael’s.

This year’s event comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. With the recent opening of Phase III, “Valor House,” and the upcoming completion of Patriot Park this summer, St. Michael’s has fulfilled its original master plan, creating a comprehensive campus designed to support veterans through both housing and community.

With the addition of Valor House, St. Michael’s welcomed over 60 new veterans to campus this year, expanding its capacity to serve those in need of stable housing and support.

“We are continually inspired by our generous community and express deep gratitude to our sponsors and those who donated at the event,” said St. Michael’s Veterans Center Executive Director Susan Engel. “Celebration of Heroes reflects what’s possible when people come together to support those who have served. We’ve built more than housing at St. Michael’s. We have developed a model that combines housing with a human-centered approach to care, ensuring veterans have the support they need to remain stable and thrive.”

Since the opening in 2014, 98% of St. Michael’s veterans have remained permanently housed, and 90% choose to continue living on campus each year. This demonstrates the strength of the organization’s housing-first model and support services.

In addition to fundraising, the event recognized individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly improved the lives of veterans across the region. The 2026 Guardian Award recipients include:

  • Art Fillmore Veteran Award: Parry and Deanna Campbell
  • Guardian Award – Individual: Rachel Willoughby Greene
  • Guardian Award – Corporate: Black & Veatch
  • Guardian Award – Organization: Veteran Services Network: Benilde Hall, Catholic Charities of Kansas City – St. Joseph, Footprints, Salvation Army, VA Homeless Program, Veteran’s Community Project
  • Guardian Award – Volunteer: Kelli Christman Huddleston
  • Michael’s Veterans Center Veteran of the Year: Oliver Allen

The evening was co-chaired and emceed by Stacey and Kelli Huddleston, whose ongoing leadership and advocacy continue to strengthen support for veterans throughout the Kansas City community.

For those unable to attend the event, but feel inspired to support the mission, St. Michael’s Veterans Center offers several ways to get involved, from making a financial contribution to volunteering or hosting a community fundraiser. To learn more, visits www.smvets.org.

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About St. Michael’s Veterans Center

St. Michael’s Veterans Center is a leading nonprofit in the Kansas City area committed to providing quality, affordable apartment homes and supportive services to veterans who are homeless or disabled. Since 2014, St. Michael’s Veterans Center has served nearly 200 formerly homeless men, women and children at its 24-acre permanent housing campus for veterans. Learn more at www.smvets.org.

Media Contact

Kelsey Rockey
krcommsllc@gmail.com
913-956-9959

With the opening of Phase III this year, and upcoming grand opening of Patriot Park this summer, St. Michael’s has fulfilled its original master plan. We’ve developed a solution that works for Kansas City: housing and human person solution. Since the opening in 2014, 98% of SMVC veterans remain permanently housed, and 90% choose to live at SMVC every year. Welcomed 62 new veterans to campus this year.