2025 HENRY W. BLOCH HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD
With the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award, JCRB|AJC honors a person who has led by example, seeks justice, and embodies the Jewish mission of “repairing the world.” By their distinguished leadership and many contributions, each of our honorees has made our community a better place in which to live.
A humble and soft-spoken man, Henry was devoted to principle, and was a caring visionary of exemplary character and integrity. JCRB|AJC is proud to have been associated with him for many years, and is honored by his words about our agency: “JCRB|AJC has worked tirelessly to make Kansas City a community that is fair and just to all its citizens. . . . None of us are free if any of us are threatened.” Henry Bloch embodied the best of the human spirit. JCRB|AJC is proud to present the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award in his honor and his memory.
The Award was re-named after Henry in 2004 and to date, 48 individuals/couples have been honored with the Human Relations Award, and 20 with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award.
Past honorees:
Beth Smith* | Irvin Fane* | Sidney Willens | Melvyn E. Krigel* | Samuel Sosland* | The Honorable Richard L. Berkley
Sybil* and Norman* Kahn | Barbara and H. Paul* Rosenberg | The Honorable Robert Dole | Betty and Arthur* Brand
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg | Bebe and Crosby* Kemper | The Honorable Dan Glickman | Marion H.* and Henry W.* Bloch
William H. Dunn, Sr. | Drue Jennings | William C. Nelson* | Louis W. Smith | William T. Esrey | Thomas A. McDonnell | Bert Berkley*
James E. Stowers, Jr.* | P.J. Adam | Arthur S. Brisbane | G. Richard Hastings | John P. McMeel | Clyde F. Wendel | Henry W. Bloch*
Adele Hall* | Gary Forsee | Peggy Dunn | Robert D. Regnier | Karen L. Pletz* | Donald J. Hall, Jr. | Morton I. Sosland | Leo E. Morton
James B. Nutter, Sr.* | Greg M. Graves | Mark R. Jorgenson | Julia Irene Kauffman | John J. Sherman | Irv Hockaday | Herb Kohn
Dr. Debbie Sosland-Edelman | Reverend Thomas B. Curran, S.J. | Alvin Brooks | Joe Reardon | Bill Berkley
*Of Blessed Memory
HONORING HENRY W. BLOCH'S LEGACY
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader, Henry Wollman Bloch, of blessed memory, was born in Kansas City in 1922. He was determined from a young age to leave the world a better place. His life is a testament to his efforts. In addition to building a successful business that enables millions to shape their own financial future, Henry Bloch devoted his life to the welfare and strength of the city he loves. He formed both the H&R Block Foundation, and later the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, which will continue to share millions of dollars with the Greater Kansas City community for future generations. Above all that Henry held dear is his family. He was married for more than 60 years to his beloved wife, Marion, of blessed memory. Their family includes children — Bob, Tom, Mary Jo and Liz — 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. A humble and soft-spoken man, Henry was devoted to principle, and was a caring visionary of exemplary character and integrity. JCRB|AJC is proud to have been associated with him for many years, and is honored by his words about our agency: “JCRB|AJC has worked tirelessly to make Kansas City a community that is fair and just to all its citizens. . . . None of us are free if any of us are threatened.” Henry Bloch embodied the best of the human spirit. JCRB|AJC is proud to present the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award in his honor and his memory.
