KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Nov. 9, 2026) – The Research Foundation’s donors and supporters celebrated four decades of generosity on Saturday, November 7 at the 40th Anniversary Candlelight Ball. The milestone event raised $239,826 for The Research Foundation’s essential health-centered programs.

The Candlelight Ball included cocktails, a bubbly bar, dinner, and entertainment by Brokyn Bonz, an all-physician Kansas City band led by Dr. Prem Samuel, CT Surgeon at Research Medical Center, and BIG SHOW Dueling Pianos. Dr. Joel McKinsey, The Research Foundation Board of Directors chair, started the evening by welcoming guests, along with Dr. Francis Dailey with Premier Gastroenterology of Kansas City and Dr. Chelsea Curry with HCA Pathology Services, who served as chair and co-chair for the event. Dr. David Rios of Midwest Heart & Vascular Specialists provided the invocation. The Research Foundation President, Cynthia Randazzo, presented a 40th anniversary tribute video featuring a retrospect of the Candlelight Ball and the foundation’s investment in the health of Kansas City. 

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the Golden Ticket and 50/50 raffles as well as a silent auction. Kevin Townsend won the Golden Ticket basket that consisted of items and gift certificates valued at $5,000. Additional 2nd through 15th place winners were awarded as well. Dr. Erica Dailey won the 50/50 raffle.

UMB Financial Corporation served as the presenting sponsor of the 40th Anniversary Candlelight Ball. Other top sponsors included Research Medical Center, LabCorp, Galen College of Nursing, David E. Ross Construction, CABE Consulting, Vickie Massey, MD – Radiation Oncology, JE Dunn Construction, Premier Gastroenterology of Kansas City, and Stanger Industries Inc. 

Learn more about The Research Foundation’s programs at theresearchfoundationkc.org.