JCRB|AJC is excited to announce that community leader Madeleine McDonough will receive the prestigious Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at our annual Human Relations Event this fall. Event Chairs include: Harvey Kaplan, Dr. Jeffrey Kramer, Lisa Krigsten, Cathy & Terry Matlack, Stacey Paine, Joe Reardon, and Ursula Terrasi.

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.

Event date and location will be shared soon. For questions or sponsorship information, contact Deputy Director, Hillary Thomas, at hillaryt@jewishkc.org or call 913-327-8184.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

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