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Learn more about Madeleine McDonough

JCRB|AJC is proud to announce that Madeleine M. McDonough, Chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award.

A trailblazing attorney, mentor, and civic leader, Madeleine exemplifies the principled leadership and enduring commitment to community that defined Henry Bloch’s legacy. As the first woman elected to lead Shook, Hardy & Bacon, one of the nation’s premier litigation firms, she has spent decades strengthening institutions, advancing justice, and investing in the future of Greater Kansas City.

Madeleine’s distinguished civic and professional leadership spans countless organizations and initiatives across the region. She has served as Chair of the Truman Library Institute, Immediate Past Chair of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, and on the boards of Legal Services Corporation, University Health, BioNexus KC, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and Lambda Legal. Her lifelong dedication to pro bono service, mentorship, and civic engagement reflects a deep belief in expanding opportunity and building stronger communities for all.

For many years, Madeleine has also been a valued friend and partner to JCRB|AJC, supporting the organization’s mission to combat antisemitism, advance democratic values, and strengthen relationships across communities. Her steadfast commitment to civic dialogue, justice, and human dignity has made a lasting impact on both the organization and the broader Kansas City community.

Dedicated in memory of Henry W. Bloch, the Human Relations Award honors individuals whose vision, humility, and commitment to others embody his extraordinary legacy and whose work elevates life throughout Greater Kansas City.

The award will be presented on December 6, 2026, in Kansas City.

Event chairs include Harvey Kaplan, Ursula Terrasi, Joe Reardon, Terry Matlack, Cathy Matlack, Dr. Jeffrey Kramer, Lisa Krigsten, and Stacey Paine.

Join us as we honor Madeleine and celebrate more than 80 years of JCRB|AJC’s work to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and united future.

Additional details to follow. For more information, contact Hillary Thomas, Deputy Director and Director of Strategy and Development at hillaryt@jewishkc.org or 913-327-8184.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Ambassador Sponsors

Torchbearer Sponsors

Advocate Sponsors

Partner Sponsors

Lauren and Ben Abelson

Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund

Dr. Loren and Merilyn Berenbom

Carol and Lewis Berey

Dr. John Lorei and Allison Berey

Lisa and Jerry Bernard

Irene Bettinger

Commerce Bank

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Sondra and Frank Friedman

Full Employment Council

Hunt Midwest

Maureen M. Mahoney and Daniel Crabtree

Terry and Cathy Matlack

Beth and Pat McCown

Karen and Steven Pack

Pembroke Hill School

Bob and Ann Regnier

Dr. Bill and Kathi Rosenberg

Lisa and Ken Schifman

Zack and Christina Shafran

Shook, Hardy, & Bacon

Esther and Stewart Stein

Ally Sponsors

Danielle and Jeremy Antes

Arvest

Barbara and Richard Atlas

Brenda Althouse and Paul Fingersh

Lauren Aaronson and Philip Meltzer

Sue and Irv Belzer

Dr. Jeff and Stevi Brick

The Dekosky Knollman Family

Peggy and Terrence Dunn

Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City

Gary and Sherry Forsee

Gautreaux Family Fund

Rabbi David & Annie Glickman and Congregation Beth Shalom

Goldsmith Family

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Sara and Paul Greenwood

Haverty Family Foundation Fund

Helix Architecture + Design

Herb Kohn Mediation, LLC

Hockaday Family Fund

Dr. John and Mary Hunkeler

Linda and Topper Johntz, Jr.

Mark and Mary Jorgenson

Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council (KCMHC)

Harold Kaseff and Rhea Salasche

Donna and Ward Katz

Janet Mark and Frank Lipsman

Josef Loeffler

Vicky and Howard Mayer

McCownGordon Construction

Dr. Mark Myron and Deborah Smith

Parris Communications Inc.

Jennifer and Steven Paul

Payne & Jones, Chartered

Ellen and Irv Robinson

Sader Law Firm, LLC

Lisa Shnayder, MD and Boris Naronov

Jeremy Sandler

Catherine and Daniel Singer

Cindy and Sheldon Singer

Dr. Debbie Sosland-Edelman and Alan Edelman

Bill and Marilyn Taylor

Debbie and Steve Trenton

Gail and Gary Weinberg

Dr. Annie and Victor Wishna

ABOUT THE HENRY W. BLOCH HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD

Henry W. Bloch smiling in his office chair

With the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award, JCRB|AJC is proud to honor the legacy of Henry W. Bloch. In his memory, JCRB|AJC annually awards one person who leads 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 W. Bloch was devoted to principle, and was a caring visionary of exemplary character and integrity. Henry embodied the very best of the human spirit and JCRB|AJC is proud to have been associated with him for many years. We are 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.”

Past honorees:

P.J. Adam* | Bert Berkley* | The Honorable Richard L. Berkley* | William S. Berkley | Marion H.* and Henry W.* Bloch

Betty* and Arthur* Brand | Arthur S. Brisbane | Alvin Brooks | Reverend Thomas B. Curran, S.J.

*Of Blessed Memory

2026 Human Relations Event Honoring Madeleine McDonough