On Track - Holiday Edition 2022

Inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

For more than a decade, Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains has motivated more than 30,000 Kansas City metro students to think big about STEM by dreaming up the next million-dollar exhibit at Science City. Connecting employee-owners with students and educators builds a stronger foundation for the future of STEM. Check out our ever-growing collection of STEM stories, tools and activities at burnsmcd.com/STEMresources

Our Privilege & Pleasure . . .

As we’re now fully into the holiday season and surrounded by the spectacular holiday celebration Union Station does so well, it’s the perfect time to briefly pause and reflect on another amazing year at Kansas City’s visual voice . . . where all are welcome.

Indeed, 2022 has been filled with so many brilliant realities.  Some carefully planned. Others absolute surprises. Combined, they’ve affirmed time and again what a true privilege and pleasure it is to be the current caretakers and shapers of this remarkable community treasure.

A few of the many 2022 highlights include . . .

JANUARY: Funded with the generous support of the Sunderland Foundation, our completely modernized and historically accented Grand Hall restrooms re-opened. This $670,000 investment in Union Station was one of several significant infrastructure projects completed during the year. Others included an equally impressive $800,000 modernization of our B-Level restrooms, and the completion of a new high-efficiency HVAC system for the LINK between Union Station and Crown Center.

MARCH: On March 20th, we welcomed the final day of guests to our acclaimed international exhibition: Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. After 9 months of residency in our Bank of America Gallery, a total of 318,000 visitors from 6 countries and all 50 states had encountered a sobering history that must never be forgotten. We all were and are changed from this experience.

AUGUST: After months of unexpected delays by the Guatemalan Government, nearly 300 priceless cultural treasures were released and transported to Kansas City for the opening of our long-awaited MAYA: The Great Jaguar Rises exhibition, presented by Bank of America. On the heels of the record-breaking Auschwitz exhibition, MAYA immediately drew interest from across our community and beyond. This world-class presentation of the history and enduring mysteries of Maya culture runs through March 12, 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity.  (See pages 6 - 9 for a detailed overview of MAYA.)

OCTOBER: Our first ever month-long “Countdown to Halloween” in Science City – bookended by Harry Potter Day on Oct. 1st and ending with Spookfest on Oct. 29th – set all-time October Science

City attendance record. Plus, we cheered on the KC Current as they played their way into the NWSL Championship. And on Oct. 29th, our very own Haverty Family Yards was proud to host the KC Current official Championship Watch Party, attended by thousands of fans.

HAPPENING NOW: Through January 1st, our biggest and most elaborate seasonal celebration – anchored by “Holiday Reflections”, presented by BOK Financial – fills our historic North Waiting Room (Grand Plaza) with brilliant decorations, interactives, and favorite historic elements, including the ride-on train, holiday model train village, and so much more. And throughout Grand Hall, spectacular holiday queues fill every corner, framing Kansas City’s largest indoor Christmas Tree for brilliant family photos. (See the special center section of this ONTRACK for complete holiday offerings and schedules.)

By no means exhaustive, this highlight list reminds us of how vibrant and vital Union Station is to the larger Kansas City and Midwest story.

So, how does your story tie to the Station? A special event? A reunion with loved ones? A community celebration or a memorable school field trip to Science City years ago?  No matter, nearly everyone has a connection to this Kansas City cornerstone.

And there are many more memories to make . . . starting with your visit during this holiday season. Shop. Dine. Catch a Classic Holiday Movie. Explore the universe. And don’t forget the enduring gift of Membership for yourself or someone you love.  We are thankful for you as you extend your Union Station story.

Indeed, our privilege and pleasure of being caretakers and shapers of Kansas City’s historic home is fortified and validated by the trust you place in our passionate team of professionals to prepare for the next 100 years and beyond.

Happy Holidays!

George Guastello President & CEO

Ramón Murguía Board Chairman

HOLIDAY MOVIE

The holidays are a time for traditions. Singing carols, decorating cookies, and spending time with families are just a few of the activities that people look forward to every holiday season. Union Station has been doing our part to create new holiday traditions, and for the 10th year in a row, family-friendly movies return to our Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre. Holiday Classic Movies, presented by Canadian Pacific, have become a tradition for thousands of families.

For only $3.50 a ticket you can sit back, relax, and watch some of the biggest holiday hits. Laugh along with the Griswold’s as they search for the perfect tree, sing along with Buddy the elf as he explores New York, or put on your PJ’s and ride on the Polar Express to the North Pole. These movies have become timeless classics, and they’re even more impressive on the biggest screen in the region.

If you’ve never seen a movie at Union Station you’re missing out. The massive screen, booming sound, and crystal clear quality will fill you with amazement and make you feel like you’re a child again.

So, gather your family, treat yourself to some drinks and popcorn, and start your own holiday tradition at Union Station. Buy tickets in advance because at such a low price they’re sure to sell out.

This year features the return of 2 fan favorite shows in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Laser Holiday Magic and Sky Station Live: Stars of Faith.

Laser Holiday Magic benefits from a big upgrade in the Planetariums laser system. “We added a new graphic projector this year, and we’re really excited for what that means with regards to our holiday offering,” said Patrick Hess, Planetarium Manager. “Even if you’ve been to see Laser Holiday Magic before there will be new special effects and new visuals to see this year.

Last year’s hit show, Stars of Faith, also returns this holiday season. “People around the world celebrate the holidays in unique ways, and we’re excited to show how all those faiths connect to our

night sky,” Hess said.

In addition to Laser Holiday Magic, the Planetarium will also feature matinee laser concerts to wrap up the year. “Our team has picked their favorite laser concerts to wrap up the year. If you’re a fan of the artists or the subject then you’re going to love these offerings,” Hess said.

Hess recommends that guests buy their tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment from sellouts. “The shows are always popular, and especially as we get closer to the holiday season they get more and more likely to sell out. Reserve your show and tickets today!”

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FASCINATING Facts

FASCINATING

After five years of planning and thousands of hours of international negotiations, packing, transporting, building and precision setup, Union Station’s stunning, new MAYA: The Great Jaguar Rises exhibition – presented by Bank of America -- opened in mid-August to critical acclaim by visitors from around the world. On opening night, one guest referred to the breathtaking presentation as “the ultimate mystery tour”, complete with historical art and artifacts, buried treasure, abandoned cities, and otherworldly gods.

Wildly different from any other exhibit Union Station has debuted in the last decade, it’s a one-of-a-kind trek through early Maya history which culminates in the enduring present-day cultural influences left

by one of the greatest civilizations to ever exist. Not only will guests discover how the Maya built their sophisticated civilization in the heart of the rainforest, you’ll also learn how entire, sophisticated cities were built, abandoned, buried, and unearthed centuries later.

Even more impressive? It’s the first time a Maya-focused exhibit of this magnitude has been unveiled in the United States—showcasing not only the odyssey and lore of the Maya, but countless revolutionary inventions that continue to shape our daily lives.

We sat down with both the exhibit’s esteemed curator and director to reveal some fascinating facts you need to know when you visit—and a few things to be on the lookout for.

Maya curator Dr. Nikolai Grube, says this exhibit has the largest number of artifacts ever shown in North America. “A majority of these objects have never been shown outside of Guatemala. One highlighted piece that everybody admires is the crouching jaguar man—a huge sculpture of a warrior or priest dressed as a jaguar. There’s no piece

like this anywhere else in the world, in terms of size, material, quality of carving and the presence of paint. We don’t know the exact age, but early classic period—so it is approximately south of 500 years old. Given the large number of objects, this amazing exhibition was put together in record time.”

Raccoon

Sofia Paredes Maury, the executive director of La Ruta Maya Foundation and curator for the exhibit, says a figurine displayed in the jungle area of the Maya exhibit creates plenty of mysterious buzz whenever it’s on display. “It shows a small standing raccoon carrying a bag. It’s a clay figure but we don’t know much more about it—and it has quite a mystique about it. The figurine—which is really an opossum—has been very popular in all the places it’s traveled. Culture bloggers are always fascinated by the figure—because it resembles an animal carrying a backpack,” she says.

Paredes Maury says that at several locations that have displayed this item, possible sightings of a live opossum in the adjoining spaces have been made. “It’s impossible for that animal to easily enter these secured spaces. No one could explain it or find the opossum. To say people were surprised is an understatement. There are supernatural events related to certain objects. Perhaps an animal spirit?” she adds.

Many Foods & Products Are Native to the Maya World & Beyond

Every time you eat guacamole, you can thank the Maya for initially cultivating avocados in Guatemala centuries ago, says Paredes Maury. “What would Football Sunday in the United States be today without the Maya discovering avocados? It’s like the Italians and their tomatoes,” she says. And the Maya famously—or infamously—discovered drinkable cacao, or cocoa as it’s more commonly known.

Mayans are also responsible for nixtamalization, or the process to prepare corn. Corn was cooked with lime and the starch became malleable for consumption and for dough. It’s considered a sacred plant, a sacred staple. In the bible, humans are created from dust. In the origins of Maya culture, they’re created from masa or corn dough—the tamale version of humanity, she adds. Beans, chilis, and squash are also derived from Maya culinary culture.

Meanwhile, tobacco was cultivated in the Maya culture. “’Cigar’ means to smoke in Mayan. ‘Cigarette’ is just a western way of transforming a native Mayan word,” says Paredes Maury.

Since pre-Columbian times, masks have been used in dances and impersonations, says Paredes Maury. “It’s where the character will be interpreted as an animal or deity. Today the traditional dances still performed are in honor of the patron saints of the towns—and they resemble the pre-Columbian dances. Today—before a dance—there are rituals before the performance. The masks are blessed and there’s a ceremony with the dancers,” she says.

Paredes Maury adds that putting on a mask is far different than in other countries. Instead of merely dressing up in costume, it’s considered practically transformative in Maya culture.

Yes, There’s a Supernatural

on Display—Allegedly

An Array of Marvelous Maya Masks Are on Display

Maya created the wheel, but never implemented it.

Over the years archeologists have found numerous children’s toys—usually in the form of an animal—created on platforms with four ceramic wheels. However, the Maya didn’t utilize the wheel in any utilitarian fashion. “They never applied it for transportation or construction. They didn’t have animals of burden—everything was carried on the backs of the Maya, walking, walking, walking through the jungle,” says Dr. Grube.

Jade Empire

There’s a remarkable amount of spectacular jade jewelry on display in the Maya exhibit, says Dr. Grube. (Pay special attention to the hyperdetailed jade maskette on display.) “There’s one mine for jade—which comes from a mountain area in the Motogua River basin. It’s found in forms of large boulders washed out of the mountain,” he says. The stone is nearly impervious. “Hit it with a hammer and it’ll jump back like rubber,” he adds. Over the centuries, jade became more valuable than gold to the Maya. It also took on religious and spiritual significance. “They traded it—which is how it ended up in Costa Rica and in the southwestern United States,” he adds.

The Maya Did Everything Without Metal Tools

Every artistic masterpiece you spy in Union Station’s Maya exhibit was created and produced without metal tools, says Grube. “There was no iron, no copper, even the most basic of metals. Instead, they used stone to cast stone, often using flint to carve the limestone. There was a large volcanic range in the Sierra Madres so when magma erupted, it would create obsidian, a natural glass. Volcanic glass became blades—blades so sharp they could be used to cut anything,” he says.

MAYA: The Great Jaguar Rises exhibition has already drawn over 40,000 visitors and will be a major destination throughout the holiday season. Purchase tickets to the exhibition online at UnionStation.org or in person.

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING . . .

“What an amazing exhibition! Thanks for bringing it to Kansas City.”

“Such wonderful history and mystery. Absolutely fascinating.”

“I remember visiting Maya ruins in Mexico. This brought back a flood of great memories.”

“The Maya civilization is so rich in tradition. We loved coming face-to-face with it!”

“This is an exhibition that EVERYONE should experience.”

“The story is brilliantly told. The artifacts bring lost voices to life. Truly remarkable.”

“My students just experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss this!”

“I try to never miss a Union Station exhibition. I learn so much!”

at Union Station

Some people will tell you not to set up for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. If they only knew what it takes to set up for the holidays here at Union Station they might change their tune. The planning actually begins in April just after the previous winter has ended. Union Station has been Kansas City’s home for the holidays for more than a century, but that doesn’t mean we just sit back and wait for the next year to roll around. “We want every year to be a magical experience where you can create those memories that will last a lifetime,” says George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO. “We also don’t want every year to be the exact same, so we’re always looking at new and exciting ways to bring the holidays back.”

Union Station’s Holiday Reflections – presented by BOK Financial – has been a huge hit over the last 2 years. Located inside of Grand Plaza, the display takes up all 27,000 square feet and kicked off on November 21. The process starts in October, when our talented team starts unpacking everything for installation. Thousands of lights have to be checked, miles of garland have to be accounted for, and every single piece has to be inspected before they can be put together. All of that work creates the biggest indoor holiday destination in all of Kansas City. With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at what’s in store for this year.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022

The biggest, literally, addition to Holiday Reflections this year are new LED trees from Enchant Studios. The tallest is over 20 feet tall and weighs more than 1,400 pounds! Adorned with 8,400 vibrant LED’s it’s sure to make a statement as the new centerpiece. Even though the other 2 new trees are “smaller,” you wouldn’t call them tiny! In fact they both stand an impressive 15 feet tall and boast over 4,700 LED lights each. It took a crew of technicians 11 hours to install the trees and Union Station is proud to be the only location in Kansas City that features these uniquely stunning pieces. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride on Santa’s sleigh? With our new magical VR ride you can find out! You’ll explore Santa’s secret workshop and see where the elves live and all the Christmas magic happens. You’ll feel every bump and turn as the sleigh moves along, and with the virtual reality headsets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole. Hold on to your hats, or antlers, for this one. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Holiday Reflections, and is available as a separate ticket once you’re inside. Tickets are only $6.

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lights. You won’t be able to miss them as you walk into the room! And their size makes them the perfect place to gather the entire family for a photo. Ornaments aren’t the only thing that’s been supersized this year. You’ll also find giant angels that flank your walk into Holiday Reflections. Trust us when we say these aren’t like the tree toppers you remember from your childhood. Standing 12 feet tall, and covered head to toe in lights, they’re sure to be another amazing photo op, even if the camera has to move back a bit to show the full height!

FAN FAVORITES RETURN

Although it’s always fun to see and experience the new wonders, there’s something special about seeing your favorite offering return. The singing penguins were the biggest hit from last year, and they’ve returned for their encore in 2022. They’ll once again be joined by their reindeer friends, and will delight guests all season long.

The model train holiday display is back, and just as impressive as ever. Featuring 11,000 feet of track for trains to travel as they weave their way through an impressive winter wonderland. Our model train volunteers work hard all year long, but they work especially hard to build out the 10,000 square feet of holiday goodness. If you’ve seen it before, you know how impressive it is, and how much work it must take to put it all together.

And it wouldn’t be the holidays at Union Station without the historic Jones Store ride-on train. Younger guests can climb aboard and take a ride through Rudy’s Wonderland for an additional $5 ticket (or free if you’re a Union Station Member!) Guests must purchase a ticket to “Holiday Reflections” in order to access the mini-train.

Hoping to see the big man in red himself? Santa will be walking through Holiday Reflections taking photos and getting his steps in leading up to Christmas. Be sure to check out unionstation.org for a complete schedule of when he’ll be in town!

TICKETS ARE SURE TO SELL OUT, SO DON’T WAIT!

Holiday Reflections was a destination for over 130,000 guests last year, and there’s no reason to think this year will be any different. With giant trees, virtual rides, walk-through ornaments, miles of garland, thousands of lights, and all your returning favorites, there’s sure to be something for everyone. “I say it every year, but this truly is the biggest holiday production that Union Station has ever put together,” says Guastello. “Whether you’re 5 or 95 you’ll have an amazing experience.” Tickets have sold out in the past, and starting at just $7 this year, they’re sure to sell out again. Visit unionstation. org to reserve your tickets now, and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Supported by

BEST KEPT SECRET?

Union Station Memberships are hot, Hot, HOT!

For years, Union Station has been building our benefit-loaded membership program to be Kansas City’s BEST family value . . . and it shows! In fact, families of very size are snapping up memberships.

MEMBER FEEDBACK HAS DIRECTLY INFLUENCED THE MASSIVE BENEFITS OFFERED

. . .

“Our guests tell us what they want, and we respond,” membership manager, Abby Royal says. “Free admission to Science City for an entire year headlines the extensive list of savings. On your second visit with the kiddos, you’ve paid for your membership. That’s almost too good to be true . . . but IT IS!”

If tons of raving fans on Union Station’s social media channels are any indication, Science City has nurtured an allegiance with both parents and grandparents alike. A recent reviewer shared, “Our Union Station membership is the best membership we have. We love being members and getting to know all the ins and outs of visiting this gem in our city.”

SCIENCE CITY: A BONAFIDE HIT WITH LITTLE KIDS, BIG KIDS, AND KIDS AT HEART

Facts are facts: Kids of all ages love visiting Union Station’s Science City, powered by Burns & McDonnell. It's the ultimate place for learning and discovery, to experience the amazing world of science and JUST HAVE FUN! Hundreds of hands-on exhibits, educator-led programs, and activities fill the massive spaces.

Royal points to the newest exhibit, "Step Right Up," which is centered around probability, statistics, laws of physics, and your

natural ability to perceive light and movement when playing carnival games. “Want to know why they’re so hard to win? You’ll find out in our exhibit by trying your hand at actual games.”

Royal touts that Science City changes its programming monthly. “Guests frequently tell us how much they appreciate our ever-changing offerings,” she says. “With always-fresh programming, it’s a new and different experience every time.”

NO NUDGING NEEDED FOR ADULTS TO GET IN ON THE FUN

“We see parents totally lose their inhibitions,” says Royal. “They put away their this-is-for-kids mentality and, next thing you know, they’re playing with the trains and taking a spin inside the life-sized hamster wheel. Science City is built for a lifelong fascination for amazing things and how they work.”

Parents aren’t the only ones getting in on the fun. Now more than ever, grandparents are quick to find the benefit of purchasing a membership for the entire family. “Grandma and grandpa are getting way more involved in bringing their grandkids to Union Station,” says Royal. “It’s a safe, convenient place to go—especially when you don’t want to battle the weather. We offer easy, covered parking. And there are plenty of places to sit, to eat, and to participate.”

A member recently shared, “We love Union Station. Going has become a real family tradition, especially with our grandchildren. From trains to events to Science City, we appreciate having such a wonderful venue in KC!”

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS

“With a membership, guests enjoy unlimited access to Science City for 12 months,” says Royal. “It’s, by far, our biggest membership value and dollar-for-dollar, nothing else in Kansas City comes close.”

In addition to free admission to Science City for 12 months, members also receive:

• First visit FREE to the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium – with additional tickets only $5

• Regnier Extreme Screen theatre POPCORN FOR ONLY $1 – yup, only a buck

• 10% discount at other Union Station favorites – attractions, restaurants and retail

• Discounted tickets to touring exhibitions – including the current MAYA: The Great Jaguar Rises

• ASTC Travel Passport Program – discounted admission to 300+ museums nationwide

for members to explore the constellations. There’s always something new, always something going on, always a fresh and fun reason to

For example, Union Station offered members the chance to have their pic taken with the Easter Bunny. “Plus, we threw in free caramel

“Every season brings a new reason and occasion to thrill our members. Right now, we’re planning for 2023 and can't wait to bring

Besides all the benefits, you’re playing an instrumental part in the preservation of a beloved institution. “Your membership is a donation—with perks on perks on perks,” says Royal. “We’re a small non-profit that operates an iconic and vibrant 15-acre campus. Our members help Union Station remain vibrant for another 100 years.” A quick visit to UnionStation.org will show you the plethora of

at Union Station November

18th - Jan 1st: Sky Station LIVE: Stars of Faith and Laser Holiday Magic in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium

18th - 23rd: $3.50 Holiday Classic Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

21st - Jan 1st: Holiday Reflections Walk-Through Village Your ultimate holiday destination. Filled with the sights, sound and selfies to create an unforgettable holiday season.

25th - Dec. 8th:

26th - Dec. 23rd: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Presented by Theatre for Young America in City Stage Theatre

TRAIN SCHEDULE

Members ride Free! Non-Members $5

Nov. 21st - Jan. 1st: 10 am – 1:30 pm, 2 pm – 4:30 pm & 5 pm – 7pm

Nov. 24th: Closed for Thanksgiving

Dec. 1st: Closed for Special Event

Dec. 14th: Closes at 5 pm

Dec. 24th: Closes at 2 pm for Christmas Eve

Dec. 25th: Closed for Christmas Day

The fun and magic of the holidays is in full swing at Union Station. Old favorites return along with brilliant new surprises. Be sure to make plans so you don’t miss any of the excitement!

December

2nd - 4th: Kansas City Holiday Circus ADVENTure

Presented by Kansas City Aerial Arts in City Stage

4th: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

9th - 11th: The Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up!

Presented by Academy of the Arts in City Stage Theatre

9th - 20th: $3.50 Holiday Classic Movie: The Polar Express

17th: Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train

17th: Merry Science Day in Science City

Come explore Science City as they celebrate the holidays with seasonal science activities. Members get FREE admission!

25th: All Union Station Attractions Closed for Christmas

31st: Noon Year’s Eve in Science City

Celebrate the end of 2022 and ring in the new year with a day full of STEAM activities and capped off by our signature balloon drop! Members enjoy FREE admission! Presented by MRIGlobal

For a complete schedule and holiday lineup visit UnionStation.org/holidays

SANTA SCHEDULE

Santa will make special appearances inside Holiday Reflections from 10 am - 2 pm on: Nov. 25 - 27 Dec. 3 - 4 Dec. 10 - 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 - 24

Do you remember your first visit to Union Station?

You may have arrived by train, school bus, through our bronze front doors or as part of a grand community celebration. Regardless of the time and circumstance, your first visit undoubtedly created a lasting impression . . . a strong memory. And for the past 109 years, making memories, sharing history, and preserving stories has been both our privilege and passion.

Union Station has been and continues to be Kansas City’s constant – an unwavering icon and visual voice, a limestone and marble scrapbook of our community’s past and present memories.

More than 2 million visitors experience the magic of Union Station every year. Whether it is attending one the Station’s impressive community events, enjoying a world-class traveling exhibition, or simply walking through and admiring the beauty and exquisite architecture of the beloved monument - the Station welcomes, educates and entertains millions of visitors from across the world.

Think back to your first visit . . . that moment you first took in the beauty of our soaring spaces. Your first impressions likely added to your pride in Kansas City and your passion for preserving our past, present, and future memories. You know the importance of preserving these memories and keeping them vibrant for future generations.

Union Station is debt-free, vibrant, and more vital than ever. We are a top destination for visitors from every walk of life, from near and far, and for countless reasons. But even with that hard-fought reality, we know we must always be preparing for our future.

Thirty percent of Union Station’s annual operating budget comes from the generous, tax-deductible support of our community. And as you might imagine, with nearly 1 million square feet of historic and modern structure on our 15-acre historic campus, the financial requirements we face are enormous, and funding sources are never guaranteed.

As we approach the year's end, please consider helping preserve Union Station’s past, present, and future memories for generations to come.

Your year-end gift continues to help us attract world-class touring exhibitions like  Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. and MAYA: The Great Jaguar Rises, telling the stories of diverse communities and compelling people to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your generosity grows our educational offerings, including our awardwinning Science City – powered by Burns & McDonnell, STEM programming, and Early Childhood initiatives for students across the Greater Kansas City area. Your passion put into action ensures our ability to preserve our beloved and magnificent monument for every member of our community.

Because of you, Union Station will remain strong and vibrant, welcoming all generations of Kansas Citians to make more memories together and to become an essential part of this unique and powerful Union Station story. Your year-end gift will ensure all of this and more.

Union Station Kansas City

Planned Giving

Union Station Kansas City was built on an incredible legacy: to become Kansas City’s destination for culture, creativity, entertainment, learning, and fun! Over the past century, this vision of creating one-of-a-kind, family-friendly adventures has allowed patrons like you to enjoy heartfelt nostalgia at Union Station Kansas City. Today, we invite you to consider what your legacy could be.

This past summer Union Station kicked off a partnership with FreeWill, a free online estate planning tool that makes it easy to protect what you love at no cost. FreeWill is a social good enterprise that makes it easier than ever for you to preserve Kansas City’s iconic architectural masterpiece by choosing a giving method that can also support your financial goals in return:

SUPPORTERS CAN NOW CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN FOR FREE AND ESTABLISH THEIR UNION STATION LEGACY.

FreeWill offers a secure, online will-writing service that more than 500,000 Americans have trusted with their estate planning and allows you to quickly and easily secure the future of Union Station through a planned gift.

SUPPORTERS CAN ALSO DONATE STOCK

In just a few minutes online you can make an immediate difference for Union Station. Stock donors can also take a deduction equal to the full value of the donated stock.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS 70 ½ OR OLDER WITH A TRADITIONAL IRA, ANOTHER

SAVVY WAY TO GIVE IS THROUGH AN IRA GIFT.

Give through an IRA easily, without the complicated paperwork previously needed to complete this tax-savvy gift. IRA gifts can also help supporters over 72 meet their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD or the amount of money IRA account holders have to remove from their IRA each year).

Just as you’ve helped secure the story of our community for future generations, this tool also presents an opportunity to plan for your own future and have peace of mind as you look ahead.

Consider these new giving options – for yourself and for the future of this historic landmark you support!

Proud to play an active role in making our community better.

BOK Financial® is a trademark of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2022 BOKF, NA.

Let’s count on one another.