About The Truman Foundation

The Start of the Truman Foundation

The tradition of the birthday luncheons began in 1953 when 21 of President Truman’s friends and fellow veterans hosted a birthday party for him at Max Bretton’s Restaurant in Kansas City.

The luncheons became an annual event, attended by local, national, and international political figures and celebrities. After President Truman died in 1972, the core group of Kansas City supporters established this Foundation to continue the tradition of honoring him. We are a not-for-profit Missouri corporation that is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Activities and purposes of the Truman Foundation are best summed up by our 1972 Articles of Incorporation:

The Foundation…

  • shall cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, develop and preserve among persons of the United States and throughout the world an understanding and devotion to the principles espoused by Harry S. Truman;
  • shall create and promote a better understanding and more friendly relationship among all nations, races, and religions;
  • shall select persons in public life whose observance of the Good Neighbor principles of Harry S. Truman have improved their community and nation, and shall award such persons the Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award; and
  • shall perpetuate the memory and spirit of Harry S. Truman and commemorate his birthday by an appropriate celebration.

Then…

…And Now

Our Mission

To honor Harry S. Truman and his accomplishments, the Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation will:

 

  • Celebrate the memory of Harry S. Truman at an annual Birthday Luncheon to be held on or about May 8th, President Truman’s birthday.
  • Honor persons in public life who have exemplified the principles of President Truman with the Good Neighbor Award.
  • Salute military veterans who have performed distinguished service to defend American principles with the Philip Pistilli Silver Veterans Medal.
  • Award college scholarships to students pursuing careers in international relations or public service.
  • Recognize international students studying in the Kansas City area.
  • Strive to improve and foster friendly relations among all nations, races, and religions.
  • Promote the qualities of good citizenship, patriotism, public service, courage, and self-reliance of Harry S. Truman.

Board of Directors

Officers

Karl Zobrist, President Dentons US LLP
Kevin Pistilli, Vice President Raphael Hotel Group
James W. J. Cooling, Vice President Cooling & Herbers, P.C.
Mark C. Thompson, Treasurer Country Club Bank, N.A.
Jeffrey J. Simon, Corporate Secretary Husch Blackwell LLC
Clarate Heckler, Executive Director

Directors:

Christopher J. Beinecke
Vice President, SwishData

Jane Girson
Retail Consultant

Jack Holland
Stifel Financial Corp.

Ambassador Allan Katz
American Public Square

William B. Kort
Private Investor

Steve Kraske
KCUR-FM 89.3
University of Missouri-Kansas City

Jeanie Sell Latz
Bloch School of Management
University of Missouri-Kansas City

Rachel Nicholson
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Stuart R. McArthur
Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC

Michael T. McGee
Dentons US LLP

Jerry D. Reece
Chairman Emeritus
ReeceNichols

Rico Reyes
Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC

Hon. Kevin W. Yoder
Former Member of Congress

Council of Advisors:

Charles W. Battey
Former President, Sprint Corporation

Michael E. Callahan
Tallgrass Energy, Partners LP

Dr. Michael J. Devine
Director Emeritus
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

Robert N. Epsten
Chairman Emeritus
Major Brands, Inc.

Donald J. Hall, Sr.
Hallmark Cards, Inc.

David A. Lubeck
Executive Vice President
Unbound Agency

H. Stephen Talge
Former President
Dazey Corporation

Gena M. Williams
Comcast Corporation

Chaplains:

Reverend Thomas B. Curran, S.J.
Rabbi Michael Zedek

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