Wichita couple, others will be honored for helping kids

A Wichita couple known for their work to benefit children and families will be honored next week at the Kansas Children's Service League's annual meeting and luncheon.

Bill and Janice Hanna will be given the Distinguished Service to Kansas Children Award in recognition of their professional and volunteer efforts.

Janice Hanna, who died in August, was best known for her years of service to the Wichita Children's Home and the Wichita Child Guidance Center. She participated in the initial discussions to merge the groups last year.

Bill Hanna has been active in many organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas, Goodwill Industries and the Wichita Community Foundation.

Others being honored:

* Christina Romero of Wichita, who will receive the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. She is being honored for her work with Miles4Kids, a fitness and fundraising team dedicated to child abuse prevention.

* The Wichita Eagle, which will receive the Corporate Friend of Children Award.

The newspaper is being recognized for printing stories, editorials and letters to the editor that address child abuse and neglect.

* Susan Peters of KAKE-TV, who will receive the Hall of Fame-Nancy Perry Building Better Communities Award.

Her "Susan's Kids" news segment features foster children seeking adoptive parents and urges viewers to contact Adopt Kansas Kids to learn more about adoption.

* B.J. Gore, who will receive the Hall of Fame Outstanding Employee Achievement Award. She is being honored for her 11 years of service as a Children's Service League employee.

The Kansas Children's Service League is a statewide nonprofit agency that works to protect and promote the well-being of children.

The meeting and luncheon will be held at noon Friday, at Hotel at Old Town, 830 E. First St.

This story was originally published April 23, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Wichita couple, others will be honored for helping kids."