Congressman William Delahunt and Karen & Rob Hale to be Honored at 2024 Adams Presidential Center Gala

QUINCY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Adams Presidential Center is proud to announce that it will honor late Congressman William Delahunt and noted philanthropists Karen and Rob Hale at the upcoming Adams Presidential Center Gala, set to take place on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the historic city of Quincy, Massachusetts. The Gala is a celebration of civic engagement and leadership, inspired by the values and actions of the Adams family, convening more than 550 business, civic, and nonprofit leaders from across the Commonwealth and nation.

This year, the gala will highlight outstanding individuals who epitomize the essence of the Adams family, serving as exemplary citizens with a lifelong commitment to our communities, state, and nation. The Adams Presidential Center will pay tribute to Karen and Rob Hale by presenting them with the Abigail Adams Award and John Adams Award, respectively.

Passionate philanthropists Karen Hale and her husband, Granite Telecommunications Founder Rob Hale, have donated more than $300 million to a broad range of causes, including the first multi-million-dollar pledge to the Adams Presidential Center. “Every step of the way, we have been a part of a community in Massachusetts, supporting our family and company. In particular, the Quincy community where Granite is headquartered has done so much for us. We want to do all we can to help Quincy and all communities across the Commonwealth and nation. It is the right thing to do,” expressed Karen and Rob Hale.

Former Congressman William Delahunt will be posthumously honored with the inaugural John Quincy Adams Award, in recognition of his exemplary bipartisan leadership and unwavering dedication to the Commonwealth and the United States. During his remarkable 22-year tenure as District Attorney for Norfolk County, he pioneered groundbreaking initiatives, including the nation’s first prosecutorial unit dedicated to addressing domestic violence and sexual assault cases — a national model for combating violence against women. Delahunt served as U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’s 10th Congressional District, where he continued to bridge divides and champion bipartisan collaboration.

"We are honored to host this year's Adams Presidential Center Gala, honoring Karen, Rob, and Bill (posthumously). They embody the character of citizenship and public service championed by the Adams family," remarked General Joseph F. Dunford, USMC (ret.), Board Chairman of the Adams Presidential Center. “As we seek to inspire the next generation to lead, serve, and productively engage within our community and Nation, there are no finer examples than this year’s honorees.”

For more information about the Adams Presidential Center Gala or to inquire about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit here or contact Kathy Hussey-O’Brien at [e-mail] or 617-481-4443.

About the Adams Presidential Center:
The Adams Presidential Center aspires to reinvigorate the democratic ideals that passionately inspired the Adamses and drove them to build a new nation. The Center will create dynamic experiences that bring to life the story of the Adams family with contemporary relevance to inspire future generations to serve their communities and our nation. For more information about the project, visit our website.