Design By: Athena Gonzalez

The JCCC Foundation’s Some Enchanted Evening gala is celebrating its 40th anniversary, bringing together community leaders, businesses and supporters for a night of celebration.  

But behind the formal attire and festivities lies a mission that extends far beyond the ballroom: helping students afford a college education. 

The JCCC Foundation will host its 40th annual Some Enchanted Evening on Nov. 14 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The event begins at 6 p.m. and raises funds for student scholarships and initiatives that remove financial barriers to education at JCCC. 

40-year anniversary 

Throughout its 40 years, the gala’s central purpose has remained the same: connecting community support with educational opportunity. 

Jaime Cochrane, development director for the JCCC Foundation, said the Foundation wanted to embrace the history of Some Enchanted Evening.   

“We are standing on the shoulders of giants,” Cochrane said. “This is a highly successful event, and it’s not because we are running it now; it’s because of everyone who came before us.” 

Money raised goes toward student scholarships 

For JCCC students, the impact of the evening extends well beyond a single night of celebration. The scholarships generated by the event can help make a college education more accessible and give students a better chance of achieving their academic goals. 

Joy Ginsburg, executive director of the JCCC Foundation, said Some Enchanted Evening is the foundation’s annual scholarship campaign.  

“All the money we raise is focused on student scholarships,” Ginsburg said. “That is our primary effort.” 

Since its founding in 1987, the gala has become one of Johnson County’s signature fundraising events, raising millions of dollars to support JCCC students. 

Student Speaker 

The money raised through the event helps provide students with opportunities to pursue degrees and reduces the financial burden of college.  

To demonstrate the power and impact of scholarships, the JCCC Foundation has a student speak about how scholarships have helped them during their time at JCCC.  

Johnson Countian of the Year 

The Johnson Countian of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Johnson County community. 

This year’s celebration will honor Greg Musil as the 2026 Johnson Countian of the Year. 

Musil, a Johnson County attorney and former JCCC trustee, has spent decades serving the community. He served on the JCCC Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2024, including four years as board chair. He also has a long history with the gala, serving on its steering committee from 1994 to 2002 and co-chairing the event in 2001.