Shawnee Mission Health is New Broadway Series Sponsor at Starlight Theatre

Starlight Theater is proud to announce that Shawnee Mission Health, the only five-star-rated hospital in Kansas City, is the new series sponsor of the theater's summer Broadway season. The 2018 Shawnee Mission Health Broadway Series, which will feature seven hit Broadway musicals and a magic spectacular direct from Broadway, kicks off next May and continues through September.

Shawnee Mission Health began its involvement at Starlight in summer 2017, serving as the presenting sponsor of two very popular musicals, Disney's The Little Mermaid and Mamma Mia. The positive experience prompted the network of health care facilities and providers to expand its presence at Starlight as the Broadway Series sponsor for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons.

"As a community-based health network, Shawnee Mission Health is engaged in a variety of organizations throughout the metro," said Doug Spear, Shawnee Mission Health's executive director of marketing and strategic development. "As we were looking to be more involved in the arts, Starlight stood out for the quality of its programming and the work it does tied to youth education and the performing arts."

Shawnee Mission Health's belief in whole-person care sets it apart from most health systems.

Participating in the arts and engaging with the community are activities that promote good health, Spear said. We feel this new level of involvement at Starlight will continue to strengthen our position as the leading community and wellness-focused health organization in the Kansas City region.

On an annual basis, Shawnee Mission Health provides nearly $1 million to support nonprofit organizations that share its mission to make Kansas City a better and healthier place to live.

"We were impressed by the quality of Starlight shows and organization as a whole, but, most importantly, we see how important Starlight is to this community. It is the quintessential summer experience in Kansas City," said Ken Bacon, Shawnee Mission Health president and CEO. "As the area's leader in quality and patient satisfaction, Shawnee Mission Health wants to partner with those organizations that seek to elevate quality in their industries. Starlight's mission and commitment to the community parallels ours."

Rich Baker, Starlight president and CEO, agreed the new partnership will be of mutual benefit.

"Having the Shawnee Mission Health name and reputation associated with Starlight Theater communicates to Starlight audiences that our organization and programming are valued by one of Kansas City's most respected institutions," he said. "And, in turn, we feel the exposure and goodwill to be gained by Shawnee Mission Health during our Broadway show nights and through associated marketing and communications support of this sponsorship will create new interest in the health and wellness initiatives it provides throughout Kansas City."