Friends United Annual Fundraising Banquet

EMPOWERING TEACHERS – Transforming lives.

Friends United hosted another successful fundraising banquet on October 3, 2026. The organization celebrated its 39th year of operations. The evening began with soothing music provided by a young harpist from Music Arts Institute in Independence. Then Marlon Martinez, a reporter from KSHB Channel 41, opened the program sharing his stories about his native Honduras. Six teachers from Honduras were in attendance and Bessy Morales, the Friends United director in Honduras, gave an update about Friends United’s work there. Good food was shared by all and the silent auction and raffle rounded out the evening. All in all, Friends United was able to meet its goal, thanks to those who attended as well as those who couldn’t attend, but made donations. You can see photos from the event in the Gallery.