The Woman of the Year
What does it take to be named "Woman of the Year" by The Central Exchange, a 20 year-old downtown membership organization? President and Chief Executive Officer Gabe Kaniger knows that the person must be a Kansas City leader, someone who has worked hard to get where she is, someone who has contributed to her community, someone to whom others look up. Adele Hall is that woman this year.

"Adele Hall has been a lifelong friend to the community and we're delighted she's The Central Exchange's Woman of the Year. Adele's devotion to Kansas City is an example to us all," the President of the Central Exchange continued. "Her generosity has made a great difference in the lives of children and families in Kansas City and across the nation."

Adele Hall was also an originating member of the Central Exchange, one of twelve women determined to increase the visibility and effectiveness of Kansas City women back in 1978. That shared vision helped propel the organization to an enrollment of nearly 900 members, innumerable development and leadership programs, and two locations, its newest one on College Boulevard.

Adele Hall's status as a life-long friend to the community is more than evident if one peruses her complete three-page resume, packed with titles of positions held in an astounding number of Kansas City and national philanthropic organizations. Previous civic positions include serving as chair of many boards including Children's Mercy Hospital, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Partnership for Children, and Crippled Children's Nursery School. She is now serving as Co-Chairman of a $175 million dollar building campaign for the Nelson-Atkin's Museum of Art. She's a trustee of Junior Achievement and Children's Mercy. She is Vice-Chairman of the United Negro College Fund, the Youth Volunteer Corps of America, a member of the Library of Congress Trust Fund and much more.

There has been no lack of honors for her many efforts. She was recognized as Kansas City Philanthropist of the Year, the Kansas Citian of the Year and has received more awards such as the National Volunteerism Award than most of us would have mantel places to put them on. What's unusual about those awards, beyond their variety, is that they represent the heartfelt appreciation of the people with whom she has worked, because she actually gets involved with the organizations she helps.

"It's difficult to know where to start when describing the contributions that Adele Hall has made to Children's Mercy and to our community, because that list is so extensive," says Dr. Randall L. O'Donnell, President and CEO of Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. "Her deep love for children and her commitment to creating a better world for all of them permeates everything she does . . . Her vision and generosity have supported the growth and progress of Children's Mercy for many years, as I know they have for innumerable other organizations throughout Kansas City."

As Woman of the Year, Mrs. Hall identifies sponsors and raises funds to benefit The Central Exchange's Community Foundation. In this role, her fundraising initiatives will benefit the Exchange's Charitable Education Fund, which helps other organizations devoted to the empowerment of women. Mrs. Hall will be recognized for her efforts at a dinner Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Starlight Theatre.