| KCMag.com: KC'S 2011 SEXIEST SINGLES |
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For Katy Sullivan, a good relationship is a lot like designing a well-planned room. And with credentials from the University of Kansas textile design program and New York City’s Parsons The New School for Design, Sullivan knows a thing or two about creating the ideal space. “I believe in investing in a few good pieces and building from there,” says Sullivan. “I feel like if the biggies are there and we have a good foundation, then we can make the rest work.” Since moving back, Sullivan has been busy delving into Kansas City’s local restaurant scene. A self-professed lover of seasonal menus and red wine, Sullivan says she worried the city might feel too suburban after living in the Big Apple for six years. However, Sullivan is having no trouble finding plenty of new eateries and boutiques. Her favorite spot to take her out-of-town friends? PotPie in Westport, hands down. “It’s small, inviting, and it has a great seasonal menu,” Sullivan says. “It’s not over-the-top, and you never feel rushed.” As for giving back, if it’s design-related, she’s there. In addition to giving her time to the Junior League of Kansas City and DIFFA, Sullivan loves lending her designer’s eye for a good cause. HER DATE PACKAGE
Jaysen Van Sickle says he’s such an urbanite that even his dog is a city dog. Van Sickle has lived throughout downtown for the last 10 years, and he currently hangs his hat in his home by the Country Club Plaza with his 4-year-old son, who Van Sickle says is “the light of my life.” Calling Van Sickle a highly driven individual is quite the understatement. Between being a single dad and managing a dog and his cats, Van Sickle still finds time to share with BBBS, Children’s Miracle Network, the MS Society, Wayside Waifs and the Kansas City Humane Society. He also holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. As for fitting in time for dating? “I’m looking for a woman who has that same drive in life,” Van Sickle says. “There’s something about an educated city girl. They’re just tougher. I like the headstrong ones.” In his free time, Van Sickle indulges in coffee and Mexican restaurants. “I pick my Mexican restaurants based on their chips and salsa,” Van Sickle says. “A girl’s got to love coffee and Mexican food.” HIS DATE PACKAGE
For Sarah Hart, working at Hart Associates never means having to make the choice between work and family. As communications manager for the company, Hart goes to work with all of her siblings and her parents. “I’m extremely family-oriented,” Hart says. “We spend a lot of time together. It can be interesting, but it’s wonderful.” Hart has an even larger extended family. Her mother is one of 15 siblings, and her dad is one of eight. Hart estimates that her family count is probably close to 90. For Hart, a self-described music fanatic, tight family ties come with good benefits, including access to seats at the Starlight Theatre and the Kauffman Center. Hart’s favorite venue, however, is the Power & Light District. “I love to be outdoors, and I love the closeness of everything,” Hart says. “Plus, it’s close to where I work.” When she’s not out and about, Hart has a strong drive to give back. Her work includes time with Young Variety and a little rallying of her fellow Olathe Northwest graduates to get involved in alumni activities. HER DATE PACKAGE
Like most musicians, hip hop artist Kemet “thePhantom*” Coleman can name his favorite places to perform on stage. Well-dressed and eloquent, Coleman will even tell you why he likes some stages better than others. “My favorite place to play in Kansas City is actually Davey’s Uptown,” Coleman says. “They always treat me [and the other bands] like we’re superstars.” Off-stage, Coleman, who studied urban studies at UMKC, is a self-described urbanist. Any given day could find him in Loose Park, which he says is his favorite place to read a book or catch up on emails. “My infatuation with Loose Park runs deeper than the idea of having a great place to hang out and enjoy the outdoors,” Coleman says. “I believe that cities are vibrant when they have active parks, streets and sidewalks filled with diverse individuals who have numerous destinations and goals.” But don’t worry, ladies. This BBBS supporter has a soft spot for the tenacious women of Kansas City, too. HIS DATE PACKAGE
When Erika Kauffman was growing up in Pennsylvania, she never dreamed she would end up in Kansas City. She came on a whim after taking a job out of college, and now says she can’t imagine living anywhere else. “I figured I would try it out, and it’s the perfect-sized city,” says Kauffman. With tons of charity events and networking activities geared toward forging new friendships, Kauffman keeps herself engaged in a wide variety of activities. She has been a member of the Junior League of Kansas City for 10 years, and in addition to fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has been a BBBS “Big” for four years. Kauffman is into international travel—she just got back from Australia—so keeping up with her requires a little spontaneity and an adventurous spirit. At home, Kauffman says her favorite place to hang out is Osteria Il Centro (she loves the chicken walnut pasta). Pair that with a glass of wine and a band, and that’s the kind of night Kauffman likes. HER DATE PACKAGE
George Waldenberger might have picked the best region for extreme weather, and as a meteorologist, this country man loves every season of it. “I love the weather here,” he says. “I like snowstorms, sunny and 70, and thunderstorms. I get all of those itches scratched in Kansas City.”
Waldenberger, who admits he likes extremes, grew up on a farm in Wisconsin with 10 brothers and sisters—the closest neighbor was nearly a mile away. Waldenberger still loves the middle-of-nowhere lifestyle, but living first in New York City and then in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District has taught him how to love the big city, too.
During warmer months, he enjoys taking advantage of the big city lifestyle and his love for all things weather with a picnic in Penn Valley Park. “You have the skyline in one direction and the sunset in the other,” Waldenberger says. “Plus, if a storm is coming down from the Northwest, you have the best view for that, too.”
Waldenberger enjoys giving back through his work, too. He has done everything from hosting events to exercising dogs for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, and occasionally, he likes to share his love for math and science with demonstrations for the kids at Science City.
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Coming from a multicultural background, Emelyna Aurich learned at a young age that language barriers don’t have to stand in the way of compassion. Aurich regularly travels with her 5-year-old son from her home in the River Market to her parents’ house in Lee’s Summit, where her family still gathers for dinner each week. Aurich, who spends her weekends bartendering for Boulevard Brewing Company, loves the idea of making charity fun. After Haiti’s 2009 earthquake, Aurich coordinated a fashion show to benefit victims. “Any time someone asks for help, I say ‘sure,’” Aurich says. “When people don’t see something every day, they forget about it.” Aurich also devotes her time to organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Variety and the American Diabetes Association, and this year, Aurich told her friends and family that she wanted to have dinner with the homeless for her December birthday party. Her dream guy? “He would have to have a good moral compass.” HER DATE PACKAGE
Jason Smitka couldn’t be farther away from the beach in his Leawood office. Smitka says he is definitely adventurous, and exploring new hobbies might as well be a hobby for this jack-of-all-trades. HIS DATE PACKAGE
As a morning anchor, Stefan Chase is awake and starting her day long before most of Kansas Citians start hitting their alarm clocks. This early riser typically begins her workday at 4 a.m., and despite the hours, Chase says she’s ready to tackle any story. “You have to stay mentally agile,” says Chase. “Sometimes you’re going from a really sad story to something crazy and wild to the weather.” Chase loves being an anchor, and she feels her cheerful personality encourages viewers to start the day off on a positive note. Giving back is about positivity for Chase, and mentoring-based organizations like YouthFriends and the Front Porch Alliance of Kansas City are close to her heart. Chase recently started notetoyoungerself.com, an online community dedicated to reminding women of all ages that they can and will get better with age. Chase says the city gives that happiness back to her, too. She confesses the Plaza lighting ceremony has been one of her favorite Kansas City happenings since she was a little girl, and she still loves the joy it brings her. “That nostalgia makes me feel good as an adult,” Chase says. “I still make it a tradition.” HER DATE PACKAGE
Ben Kruse is never without his iPhone. But, he says, neither are today’s kids. “Why can’t we use devices like that to enhance learning?” asks Kruse. It is that desire to find a way to use what is on hand for the greater good that drives Kruse to get involved in the community, too. Whether he is working with Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kauffman Center Encore or DIFFA, Kruse utilizes the resources he has on hand to help out. “I believe in giving back,” Kruse says, “whether of your money or just your time.” A Northland resident, Kruse loves living in a part of the city where he can enjoy the skyline while still feeling the grounded, neighborhood life of the suburbs. It’s not unusual to find Kruse spending a little time in his yard, but Kruse likes the big city life, too—catching up for a date with this martini aficionado means finding the coldest and slightly dirty martinis for a night on the town with friends. Kruse’s favorite spot for a sip? “JJ’s—consistently!” HIS DATE PACKAGE
After growing up in a small Kansas town with a population hovering around 93, Christina Larson thought she was following her dreams by studying psychology. However, fitness-focused Larson found her real calling: helping others improve their health. She was in college when she started building the His & Her fitness client base, but she says she never knew she could make a living doing what she loves until a cousin encouraged her to be a personal trainer. Larson loves giving her clients the tools to live a healthier lifestyle, but she confesses that her commitment to her clients makes it hard to schedule a date. Catching up with this lady requires dedication—and planning ahead. “My week starts on Sunday, and I usually have my weekend booked out with clients,” Larson says. “I need somebody with a type-A personality who is easy to talk to and who can keep up with me.” Nonetheless, Larson admits she has a sweet tooth for anything of Christopher Elbow, and she’s not above gifts of chocolates and fresh strawberries. She has a weakness for paying it forward, too. Despite her packed appointment book, Larson stays involved with Caring for Kids, Make a Wish and Taking Pounds Off Sensibly. HER DATE PACKAGE
Adam Kaleikau’s visual talents are serving him well these days. Kaleikau is the graphics and communications manager for BBBS, and he is the designer and owner of AngryApe Clothing. Kaleikau is dedicated to his work with BBBS, but the dream of being a clothing designer is longstanding. “I knew I always wanted to do [my own line of clothing], and I finally got motivated to do it,” says Kaleikau, who first delved into clothing design while attending Graceland University for visual communications. Kaleikau is proud to sell his West Coast-flavored line at Method in the Crossroads Arts District, and he’s in talks to spread his line to other stores in the metro, too. Kaleikau says he’s encouraged by the city’s up-and-coming fashion scene, and any given day you could find Kaleikau exploring the revitalized Garment District for trends and threads. Between creating visuals for BBBS and Angry Ape, Kaleikau likes to keep his mind busy with new ideas. “I have an entrepreneurial spirit for sure,” Kaleikau says. “It’s good to have that spirit. But I need someone who can keep me grounded, too.” HIS DATE PACKAGE
For Ashley Wilson, the perfect Saturday involves her girlfriends, maybe a few shops and a stop for dinner at one of Kansas City’s hotspot eateries. Wilson enjoys discovering new boutiques and delving into the trend scene. At the moment, she claims her favorite boutique is Shopgirls, where the unique pieces are perfect for work or play. “The boutique scene has really grown,” Wilson says. “There are tons of new stores and restaurants to try.” Though Wilson might love a good shopping spree, she is equally committed to getting involved and helping out her community. Wilson regularly participates with the Junior League of Kansas City, the Spelman Medical Foundation and Cerner’s own First Hand Foundation. Fast-paced Wilson confesses she’s a big fan of NASCAR, too, which she thinks might tie into her Southern belle dreams. As for Wilson’s prince charming, she’s on the lookout for a true Southern gentleman with manners and enough energy to tackle all the city has to offer with her. “I have to find a guy who can keep up with me,” Wilson says. HER DATE PACKAGE
After spending several years on the East Coast, Roy Anderson says the first thing he sought on his return to the Midwest was Kansas City barbecue. Anderson, who had a stint as a comedy club manager, binged on KC-style ’cue from the city’s biggest barbecue names, including the original Arthur Bryant’s, Anderson’s personal favorite. “I was craving actual barbecue,” Anderson says. “North Carolina [his most recent stop on the coast] likes to think it has good barbecue, but eventually, I got tired of eating coleslaw. I wanted real brisket.” Anderson confesses, however, that comedy is his first love. Having done stand-up routines both at the Improv Comedy Club in Zona Rosa and back on the East Coast, He is looking forward to once again baring his funny side in Kansas City. “I don’t turn off my switch trying to be funny all the time,” Anderson says. “So it’s essential to have someone able to put up with someone like me.” And whether he’s involved with Toys for Tots through the Marine Corp Reserves, Operation Smile through MP Inc. or the fundraisers he hosted while managing comedy clubs, Anderson is always good-humored when it comes to giving back. HIS DATE PACKAGE
Always a dedicated volunteer, Karis Erwin is taking community service to an international level. Starting in March of 2012, Erwin will find herself in the Ukraine, where she will work on non-governmental organization (NGO) development for the U.S. Peace Corps. And when this globetrotter returns, she’ll be looking for a match who shares her passion. “It’s a must that a man likes to volunteer,” Erwin says. “I believe everyone has an individual responsibility to give back as best as they can.” But before she ships out, Erwin plans on staying active with her hometown organizations, which include being a “Big,” volunteering at Rose Brooks Center, keeping a hand in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and sitting on the volunteer committee for her church. Erwin says the hardest part about leaving will be missing her friends and family. “I’ve built a good community of support here,” Erwin says. “It’s going to be tough to leave.” HER DATE PACKAGE
As a news reporter, Justin Robinson is no stranger to the homes of the metro. Whether it’s good news or bad, Robinson has been on the scene to deliver the details. But off camera, Robinson is always quick to share an infectious laugh. “Life is about having fun and being able to laugh,” Robinson says. “When I’m reporting, I have to be serious. But people who know me know I’m a goofy guy.” Confident and genuinely interested in learning about others (hence his interest in reporting), Robinson confesses that he might occasionally be one of the thousands of screaming fans at Arrowhead Stadium. “There’s nothing like 80,000 people cheering,” he says. “You can feel the energy, and you can’t help but get excited.” When he’s not in the limelight, Robinson lends his love for sports and his reporter rapport to groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Recently, Robinson has been in the process of starting his own nonprofit, called Game Changers. Through his interest in athletics, Robinson hopes his nonprofit will build positive relationships and mentoring opportunities between inner-city adolescents and celebrities in sports and the creative arts. HIS DATE PACKAGE
As proprietress of Concierge KC, a premier event planning and concierge service known for its access to hundreds of referrals in the metro, Jenn Nussbeck can safely say she has had a hand in dozens of successful events. From the Tour de BBQ cycling event to the Sunflower House, name it, and Nussbeck has been involved. “I’m approached left and right, and I love it,” Nussbeck says. “It’s easy to say yes when people are so infectious with what they’re excited about.” Although work keeps her busy, Nussbeck confesses that sometimes an afternoon tackling the challenges of The National golf course is just what she needs to recenter herself. And with the number of charity events on Nussbeck’s calendar, versatility is a must. Nussbeck says her ideal man is someone who can go black tie on Saturday night and be back in jeans for a Chiefs game on Sunday. And any man worth fitting into her schedule must have a soft spot for animals—Nussbeck is a big advocate for animals. “Of all that I do, at the forefront of all of my charities is the importance of education on owning animals and rescuing pets,” Nussbeck says. HER DATE PACKAGE
Whether he’s talking about vacations in Europe or Le Fou Frog’s steak au poivre, it’s clear that culture is Randall Schneck’s life. A self-defined global thinker, Schneck says the arts are a big part of his character (his hobbies include painting, playing piano and decorating). Schneck, who lives downtown, is especially excited to see the arts take a firm hold in the metro. As general manager of the Garment District Boutique, Schneck is privy to the booming arts scene every day. “I absolutely adore the changes that are happening in the urban core,” Schneck says. Schneck might be more city than country, but he says there’s nothing like getting out to Weston, Missouri, on a crisp fall day. Having grown up in a small town outside of St. Louis, Schneck enjoys the nostalgia—and the wineries—that Weston has to offer. HIS DATE PACKAGE |







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