The Saint Andrew Foundation of Kansas City
What do we do?
The St. Andrew Foundation of Kansas City
The Foundation was created to give people the opportunity to make tax-deductible gifts to Scottish Heritage projects and organizations in the Kansas City Metro and the surrounding area. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity and is closely affiliated with the Kansas City St. Andrew Society. The goals of both organizations are similar; the fostering of Scottish heritage and culture.
The Kansas City St. Andrew Society
The Kansas City St. Andrew Society (the "Society") was founded in 1914 with the purpose of assisting Scottish immigrants assimilate into American culture and become successful, productive citizens. As time passed immigrants from Scotland needed less assistance in assimilation so the purpose of the Society moved to fostering Scottish history and culture. To that end the Society has hosted observances of St. Andrew's day and Robert Burns Dinners as well as picnics, pub nights, and other Scottish themed functions throughout the year. Additionally, there are groups of Society members who gather regularly to learn Gaelic language, read Scottish books, and practice Scottish dancing.
The Kansas City St. Andrew Society Pipes and Drums (the "Band") was created in the 1960s and became part of the Society. The Band performs traditional bagpipe and drum music for Society functions as well as in festivals, parades, graduations, and other functions throughout the region. The Band competes locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally and has many wins at such competitions The Band also offers lessons in piping and drumming to the public free of charge in order to keep the music playing.
The Kansas City St. Andrew Highland Dance Association (the "Dancers") have a long history of supporting teachers and students of Scottish dance throughout the region. They became a part of the Society in the 1990s. They offer lessons in Scottish dance to the public and perform at Society functions as well as in festivals, parades, graduations, and other functions throughout the region. They compete locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally and have many wins at such competitions.