Board Of Directors

Julie Anselmo Sano

Julie Anselmo Sano

Executive Director

Bio

Info Coming Soon

Jerry Anselmo

Jerry Anselmo

Executive Director Emeritus

Bio

Jerry Anselmo was born and raised in an Italian family from Saint Louis. He attended St. Margaret of Scotland elementary school and Saint Louis U. High.  He graduated from Rockhurst College with low honors. Mainly, because he was President of the legendary Suzzer Fraternity, met the woman of his dreams and then started dating Mary Ellen Mitchell.  He served honorably in the Air Force teaching English to Vietnamese helicopter pilots. Many of them graduated with low honors. He was very proud of his students.

Jerry Anselmo has been married to Mary Ellen Anselmo since 1969. They had a very active life serving on many boards, coaching, cooking together and still found time to have 3 wonderful children in Julie, Lori and Brian. They are fortunate to spend time with their 3 grandkids, Massimo, Luca and Francesca.  Going to their games, programs, etc. keeps them moving.

Jerry decided shortly after Brian died, to start a foundation to keep his name alive and to help children and animal welfare in his name. He started it in 2009 and has built it into one of the best foundations supporting children in Kansas City. He continues to spread the BMA word and support the many charities that we support through the very popular fundraisers each and every year.

 

Leslie Humphrey

Leslie Humphrey

President

Bio

John and Leslie Humphrey are both attorneys and have been married for 31 years. They have 4 children and two of their daughters have special needs. Their youngest daughter, Megan, has Down syndrome and the Humphreys never dreamed that she would be able to attend their home parish school, St. Thomas More. However, under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Don Farnan, STM adopted a program of inclusion called the FIRE program, which helps children with learning differences attend their home parochial schools with a model including paraprofessionals and special educators working with the students, often one on one.

St. Thomas More established a separate fund, STM for All, to help supplement the additional costs associated with this uplifting program. The BMA has long been partnered with STM for All and both John and his wife have been STM for All fundraising dancers at BMA’s annual Dine and Dance with the Stars gala, with Leslie taking home the 1st place trophy the year she danced. Leslie is the current president of the BMA Board and John, well, he’s kind of cute but the board asks him to not talk too much.

Bob Fescoe

Bob Fescoe

Vice President

Bio

Bob Fescoe has been a very prominent legend in the Kansas City sports scene since his return to KC from St. Louis in 2010. Bob has been the morning show host on 610 Sports Radio for 10 years and brings a wealth of non profit involvement to the board. Fescoe was a participant in the BMA Foundation’s Dancing with the Stars in 2015, when he danced for Charlies House, and quickly elevated to their Board of Directors the following year. He has been very influential helping with Noah’s Bandage Project and many other charities around town with his wife Jen. Bob has 2 girls who, for some odd reason, love Jerry.

Diane Euston

Diane Euston

Treasurer

Bio

Diane attended St. Thomas More grade school, Grandview High School and Notre Dame de Sion. She roamed the halls in grade school with Brian Anselmo and grew up with the Anselmo family just a few blocks away. She graduated from Avila University with a B.A. in Communication in 2004.  After working in sales in the wine and liquor business, Diane knew her heart was in education. She returned to school and earned her Masters of Education in 2013 and is currently working on her second masters in history. She is a high school teacher in the Kansas City area, writes a history column in the Martin City Telegraph, and hosts a monthly podcast called “Kansas City: 2 States, 1 Story” with BMA board president, Bob Fescoe. She is honored to work with the Anselmo family to keep Brian’s legacy alive and well in Kansas City.

Susie Greenberg

Susie Greenberg

Secretary

Bio
A native of Kansas City, I grew up in the Brookside area, graduated from Southwest High and earned a BA degree from the University of Missouri. I am a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of seven with a long career in sales, marketing and public relations. As the contributing editor of the book, Kansas City’s Influential Women, published in 2010, I was inspired to make a career change and became a residential realtor. I am still active and licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Brian Anselmo and my son, Joey, played youth soccer for many years as our families traveled together cheering on our boys from one victory to another. I have been a member of the BMA Board of Directors since its inception, also competing in the Dine and Dance with the Stars event in 2010 and 2011. The mission of this organization, the Anselmo family and the people who selfishly serve that mission are forever in my heart.
Nick Paradise

Nick Paradise

Bio

Every day is Paradise in our household which consists of my number one babe Maddie, our 2-year-old son Whitley, and our dogs Kai and Winnie. I enjoy taking long walks on the beach, stargazing, and sipping Teakoe Fizzy Tea. I run my family business in Olathe, KS and we make outdoor furniture and yard games out of recycled plastic. When I was asked to become a board member for BMA, I was through the roof. I knew Brian from track and field at Rockhurst High School as I was a freshman when he was a senior. He used to stick up for me when the older guys gave me a hard time and I never forgot him for that. I love the Board, our members, our events, our mission, and love helping children, animals, and families in the greater Kansas City area. Thanks in advance if you support our cause!

Steve Bessenbacher

Steve Bessenbacher

Bio

Hailing from the mean streets of Verona Hills in the St. Thomas More parish, Steve, or as the Godfather calls him, Stevie, has been a lifelong family friend of the Anselmo family.  He might even tell you that his first paying job many years ago was having the big responsibility of dog-sitting Fluffy when the Anselmo’s were out of town way back when Duran Duran was perennially topping Casey Kasem’s Top 40.  To Stevie, the Anselmo’s are family.  Having attended the inaugural BMA Event back in the Rockhurst gym and many others since, the thought of being “in the show” was never a thought.  However, after a couple special conversations with the Godfather and a little encouragement from John & Leslie Humphrey, Stevie was all in and competed and became the 2022 Dine and Dance with the Stars Grand Champion. 

Steve’s day job is a managing partner of Crown MedRealty Partners, a healthcare real estate investment firm.  But his all-time favorite job is having a houseful of girls.  His beautiful wife and best friend is Jenny, who is clearly a saint.  Together they have 3 special ladies, Emma, Izzy and Ava. 

Steve wants to thank Jerry, Mary Ellen, Julie and Lori for the awesome experience of being a dancer and now board member, and more importantly, this amazing honor raise awareness to such great charities in Brian’s name…grazie.

Jimmy Bergner

Jimmy Bergner

Bio

Jimmy Bergner is a passionate sales professional in the paper and packaging industry. He has been in the paper industry for over 24 years and is currently the Packaging Sales Manager for Sappi North America.

Jimmy has lived in the Kansas City area since 1983 moving here before high school from Gulfport, MS. He graduated in 1993 from Baker University with degrees in Accounting and Business Management. However, his greatest achievement from Baker University is his beautiful wife Angela. Jimmy and Angela were married in July 1993 and have been happily married for over 27 years. They are the proud parents of three sons who have all graduated from Rockhurst High School. They have been active members in their parish, children’s schools and the community.

Jimmy was introduced to the BMA Foundation and Dine and Dance with the Stars in 2012 through Bags of Fun KC. He was given the opportunity to dance in 2017 as the Bags of Fun representative. Jimmy reluctantly said “yes” due to his lack of dancing skills but was willing to embarrass himself for a great cause. Jimmy not only won the Mirror Ball trophy for raising the most money in 2017 but he kept the audience and judges entertained and laughing with his unique and goof ball dance moves.

Jimmy’s Dine and Dance with the Stars experience gave him the opportunity to get to know Jerry and Mary Ellen Anselmo as well as the great work the BMA Foundation supports. There was an instant connection and admiration for both the Anselmos and the BMA Foundation. Jimmy is honored to serve on the board of such a wonderful foundation.

Erin Peters

Erin Peters

Bio

As a wife and mother of two young daughters, I have been blessed with love and support from my family to deal with the trials of life. Many families in Kansas City aren’t as blessed as us and I am proud to have the opportunity to help out in the tiniest way I can through the BMA. Years before I became involved in the BMA, I received the horrible news that my nephew was diagnosed with Leukemia. Shortly after this tragic news I was presented with a wonderful opportunity to help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Without much thought I decided to run for Woman of the Year. After much love and support from our wonderful community I won Woman of the Year in 2004. I continued to be involved with the LLS and served on their board for 10 years.

After attending the BMA Dine and Dance with the Stars over the years and knowing the wonderful Anselmo Family for a very long time, I wanted to find a way to help out. I was absolutely thrilled when they offered me the opportunity to join the board and have been so honored to help out over the years. There is nothing more important to me than my family, and the BMA is a part of mine. I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization, and I look forward to supporting the BMA and the several charities that they support through our extended Kansas City family!!

Jasper Mirabile

Jasper Mirabile

Bio

For Jasper J. Mirabile Jr., working in the kitchen of Kansas City’s most award-winning restaurant has been a homecoming to his family-owned establishment. Mirabile’s family history reflects a love for fine food and elegance. His grandmother helped his father launch Jasper’s back in 1954, and now almost 67 years later, Jasper Jr has taken the reins.

Today, he works to impart his vast knowledge of food to all who are interested by offering multiple cooking classes in venues across Kansas and Missouri as well as traveling to Europe with clients to visit cooking schools in Italy and France. Mirabile is an acclaimed chef who has made guest chef appearances at The James Beard House in New York. He has been featured in several major newspapers and magazines across the USA. Recently, Zagat named Jasper’s one of America’s Top 25 Italian Restaurants and Travel & Leisure named Jasper’s one of USA’s Top Italian Restaurants.

Jasper has been friends with the Anselmo family for many years. His nephew Jasper was also in Brian’s class at Rockhurst. When Brian died, Jasper met with Jerry and encouraged him to start a foundation in Brian’s honor. So we have Jasper to thank for helping launch the BMA Foundation. His continued support over the years has been invaluable.

Maeghan Miller

Maeghan Miller

Bio

Coming Soon!

Dr. Dena Hubbard

Dr. Dena Hubbard

Bio

Dr. Dena K. Hubbard, MD, FAAP is a neonatologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. She attended BMA Dine and Dance with the Stars to support a friend in 2014 and was captivated by the Anselmo Family, their love for Mizzou (she is a School of Medicine Alumni), and their mission to honor Brian through supporting KC charities focusing on child and animal welfare. Dena had the time of her life as one of the “Stars” who danced in 2015 and joined the BMA Board of Directors in 2016.

Dena is a small town girl from Osceola, MO and now resides in Lees Summit, MO with her husband and high school sweetheart Adam, and daughters Emily and Reese. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, travel, dance, and music (especially karaoke!)

Carrie Donnelly

Carrie Donnelly

Bio

You may recognize BMA Board member and Kansas City native Carrie Donnelly from her days on the sidelines at Arrowhead stadium as a Kansas Chiefs Cheerleader. A graduate of Missouri State University, she earned a degree in Health and Wellness, with an emphasis in marketing (you know, back in the 90’s), She is currently a medical sales representative for Glaukos Corporation. Carrie is passionate about helping raise funds for KC area charities through the BMA foundation in Brian’s honor. Carrie danced in the BMA foundation Dine and Dancing With The Stars event representing Charlie’s House in 2016 and immediately felt connected to the Anselmo family and their mission to help local charities in need. Carrie, her husband, Mark Anderson and their three kids, Carley, Cole and Ava love to travel and spend time together with family and friends.

Mary Ellen Anselmo

Mary Ellen Anselmo

Bio

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Kansas City. She graduated from Loretto Academy and then earned a degree in English and Education from UMKC. After retiring in 2015 from teaching Middle School language arts for 37 years, she has been enjoying her role as a part time paraprofessional. She also serves on the St. Regis Academy School Advisory Council where she taught for 30 years.

Mary Ellen has been married to Jerry Anselmo, the love of her life, for 52 years. They are the proud parents of their three children, Julie, Lori, and Brian. They are also the very proud grandparents to their three grandchildren, Massimo, Luca, and Francesca. They enjoy being a part of their extremely active lives by going to all their sporting events, dance recitals, and theater productions.

Mary Ellen has always loved children and been passionate about helping to make sure that every child receives a quality education. In addition, she has loved animals from the time she was a little girl. Her children never knew a life without pets in their home as evidenced by the 4 dogs, parakeets, and gerbils they grew up with that became beloved members of their family. So, she wasn’t too surprised when Brian chose to raise Heritage turkeys and chickens for a living while, at the same time, enjoying cattle, llamas, and his many dogs that also lived on the farm with him.

Mary Ellen believes very strongly in the mission of the BMA Foundation and knows that Brian would be enormously proud to see the great work the Foundation has accomplished in helping to fund local Kansas City children’s charities and animal welfare in his name.

Lori Anselmo

Lori Anselmo

Bio

Lori is the second of the Anselmo children. She jokingly refers to herself as the “favorite middle child.” She grew up in Verona Hills in south Kansas City where she feels she lived a charmed childhood. She attended St. Thomas More Grade School and later graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Kansas State University.

Lori has worked for the Hy-Vee supermarket chain for over twenty years. moving into managerial positions in several departments. She currently holds the position of Product Manager.

Lori is a sports fan and really enjoys watching the K-State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs. She has a lot of fun with her fantasy football league where she is very competitive. She also loves spending time with her friends and family and is very proud of her niece and nephews.

As Brian’s sister, Lori is dedicated to helping keep his memory alive through the work of the BMA Foundation. She is very happy that so many people have unselfishly given their time and energy to this cause and is so thankful to the BMA Board for all they have accomplished in helping local children’s and animal charities.

John Humphrey

John Humphrey

Bio

John and Leslie Humphrey are both attorneys and have been married for 31 years. They have 4 children and two of their daughters have special needs. Their youngest daughter, Megan, has Down syndrome and the Humphreys never dreamed that she would be able to attend their home parish school, St. Thomas More. However, under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Don Farnan, STM adopted a program of inclusion called the FIRE program, which helps children with learning differences attend their home parochial schools with a model including paraprofessionals and special educators working with the students, often one on one.

St. Thomas More established a separate fund, STM for All, to help supplement the additional costs associated with this uplifting program. The BMA has long been partnered with STM for All and both John and his wife have been STM for All fundraising dancers at BMA’s annual Dine and Dance with the Stars gala, with Leslie taking home the 1st place trophy the year she danced. Leslie is the current president of the BMA Board and John, well, he’s kind of cute but the board asks him to not talk too much.

Anne Alexiou

Anne Alexiou

Bio

When Anne Waris Alexiou isn’t spinning pizzas, she is chasing after her two boys and helping up at her alma mater, St, Thomas More. Anne was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. She is the youngest of 4 in the Waris Clan.  Anne is the 2nd Waris to dance proudly for STM for All in the BMA Dine and Dance with the Stars.  St. Thomas More was her grade school and now her little boy’s, Henry and Tommy, attend the same school. She is a proud alumnus of St. Teresa’s Academy and Avila University. She and her husband, Matt, own one of South KC’s favorite gathering spaces known as Southside Bar and Grille.  Henry, Tommy and Willie the Bulldog will tell you that their Mom is the best!

Growing up in the same neighborhood with the Anselmo’s, Anne was a regular fixture in the Anselmo household. With Lori as her best friend, Anne spent many nights over there. It has been said that Mary Ellen makes the best chocolate chip pancakes and Anne will attest to that.  It seems only natural that Anne was willing to take on their challenge to dance for STM for All and now be a proud BMA board member. 

 

BMA Foundation Advisory Board

Jennifer Nussbeck
Krista Jackson
David Whitaker
Beth Wade
Megan Mcgee
Chad Glover
Kyle Younger
Helen Van Hecke
Susie Roling
Sharon Mickelson
Tim McCabe
Sarah Devault
Josh Brewster
Michelle Bogowith
Gary Hense

 

BMA Foundation
901 W. 121st Street
Kansas City, MO 64145

For 2024 Dine and Dance with the Stars Voting and Table Sales Visit

https://dance.bmafoundation.org/

2021 dancing with the stars