Sisters open new event space on Scott Avenue, Belton

By Kady Cramer

A 2,800 square-foot space in the Belton Plaza Shopping Mall on Scott Avenue has been converted into an all-occasions event space. With a name inspired by American singer-songwriter George Benson, The Benson Event Space officially opened its doors at 559 N Scott Avenue on January 6^th..

The venue’s Open House included small bites from local vendors, beverages, music by their in-house DJ, and table setting options for different occasions. It also featured their 360 photobooth, which creates a slow-motion full-circle video of people.

Sisters Kenya Campbell and Robin Long, along with their husbands, will co-own and manage the space. Both are graduates from Hickman Mills High School. Campbell and Long opened the venue after a four-month renovation while working additional full-time jobs.

“To find the building, I really didn’t need to go too far… from Raymore to Belton,” says Campbell. “That was a very easy process. But I’m just going to be honest, I kind of thought that we would secure the building, pay rent, and walk in. Well, that’s not really how it worked.”

Previously a dance studio, the space needed an entire new floor as well as upgrades such as a handicapped bathroom.

“The city of Belton was great,” continues Campbell. “There were a lot of things that needed to be done to the building that couldn’t be grandfathered in. The mechanics of all that, I would say, were the biggest struggle – finding contractors… city permissions… Every weekend we were in there working on something. We’ve put a lot into it with the flooring and the chairs… it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Working as a nurse for Kansas City Hospice for almost two decades, Campbell has lived in Raymore with her husband and two children (now ages 19 and 27) for the past 15 years. Married for 20 years, her husband Dominic is retired from the Navy. Campbell plans to take the plunge herself, working part time as needed, to focus on the event space full time beginning in March.

Her business partner Long currently works full time at the U.S. General Services Administration while living in north Kansas City along with husband and four daughters. Long’s husband, Jamar, is also retired military – having been in the Air Force.

“She loves to decorate and is really good at it,” explains Campbell. “We both like to entertain in our homes. So, here we are and I’m excited. The hope is to one day grow and maybe even find a second building.”

The space offers a kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave. No cooking is allowed on the premises; however, local catering is welcome. Event rentals include tables and Chiavari chairs, linens, use of the venue’s three televisions and WiFi. Guests can also include the 360 photobooth, décor, event planning, balloon arrangements, sound system, and an in-house DJ for additional costs.

Rental starts at $400 for a 4-hour period and goes up from there depending on the day of the week, extra hours needed, and add-ons purchased. Outside bar service is permitted if provided by a preferred licensed vendor.

So where does the name Benson come from? One day while visiting their mother in Belton, sitting at the kitchen table, jazz guitarist George Benson came on the radio.

Not familiar with a lot of jazz, Campbell asked, “I like this. Who is that?”

Appalled, their mother looked and exclaimed, “Don’t you know? That’s George Benson!”

“And I went, there’s the name!” says Campbell.

The space is now taking reservations for 2024 and 2005 events. For more information, visit thebensoneventspace.com.