Mr. and Mrs. Joyce C. Hall, our founders.
Our History
Joyce C. Hall was born on August 29, 1891, in David City, Nebraska. A plainspoken individual, he was raised with a deep respect for hard work and an unwavering commitment to quality. Mr. Hall came to Kansas City in 1910, and, starting with a shoebox full of cards and a rented room at the YMCA, began the business that was to become Hallmark Cards, Inc. In 1921, Joyce Hall married Elizabeth Ann Dilday. Together they built a life dedicated to family and community.
In 1943, Joyce and Elizabeth Hall, along with Joyce’s brother Rollie B. Hall, created the foundation that continues to nurture and strengthen the city they loved. As outlined in the original bylaws, they intended that the Hall Family Foundation should promote: the health, welfare and happiness of school-age children; the advancement and diffusion of knowledge; activities for the improvement of public health; and advancement of social welfare. These purposes were based on a family resolve to help people and enhance quality of life. More than 70 years later, their legacy lives on.
Founded in 1943, the Hall Family Foundation supports programs and initiatives in the Kansas City region that seek to effect positive change in our community.
Joyce C. Hall
Timeline
1891
1891
Mr. J.C. Hall born in David City, Nebraska
1910
1910
Hallmark Cards, Inc. is founded by J.C. Hall
1921
1921
J.C. Hall marries Elizabeth Ann Dilday
1943
1943
The Hallmark Educational Foundation is founded by J.C. and Elizabeth Hall, and Rollie B. Hall
1943
1943
First grants made to the Boy Scout’s Camp Naish, MRI and Pembroke Hill School
1951
1951
In 1951, J.C. Hall commissioned Norman Rockwell to capture The Kansas City Spirit
1961
1961
People to People International incorporated as a nonprofit under President Eisenhower with support from J.C. Hall and the Foundation
1970
1970
Children’s Mercy Hospital moves from downtown to Hospital Hill, across the street from the Foundation
1976
1976
The passing of Elizabeth Ann Hall
1982
1982
The passing of J.C. Hall
1982
1982
Don Hall named Chairman of the Board of Hallmark Educational Foundation
1982
1982
Bill Hall named President of Hallmark Educational Foundation
1983
1983
The Hall Center for the Humanities is launched at the University of Kansas
1983
1983
With the leadership of community representatives, the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund and the Black Community Fund are launched by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation with support from Hall Family Foundation
1989
1989
The later-named Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park opens at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
1993
1993
The Foundation’s name is changed to Hall Family Foundation
1999
1999
Kansas City’s Union Station reopens with support from the Foundation
2005
2005
With Foundation support, the Hallmark Photographic Collection is donated to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
2007
2007
The Bloch Building opens at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
2009
2009
During the unprecedented Great Recession, the Foundation increases its emergency assistance grant support
2012
2012
The University of Kansas Cancer Center earns designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center
2012
2012
The Elizabeth Ann Hall Tower opens at Children’s Mercy Hospital
2016
2016
SchoolSmartKC fund receives initial contributions from the Ewing Marion Kauffman, Walton Family and Hall Family Foundations to increase the number of quality seats for Kansas City students
2017
2017
The largest gift in the Foundation’s history is made to Children’s Mercy for $75 million over 10 years toward the Children’s Mercy Research Institute
2020
2020
The wide-ranging impact of the global coronavirus pandemic prompted the Hall Family Foundation to focus its efforts in 2020 on supporting COVID-19 relief, partnering with organizations that help those most vulnerable due to health and economic impacts of the pandemic.
2020
2020 Bill Hall Retirement
Bill Hall retires after 38 years
2020
2020 New President Named – Mayra Aguirre
Mayra Aguirre named new President
2022
2022 Areas of Impact evolved
Areas of Impact evolved
1951, Painting, Norman Rockwell (with John Atherton), The Kansas City Spirit, 1951 Hallmark Art Collection, Kansas City, Missouri
1970, Photo, Children’s Mercy Hospital