In celebration of the unity of the Greater Kansas City community, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy announces the honorees of this year’s Civic Service Award celebration: Bob and Ann Regnier. This annual, and only, major fundraising event for HBHA is at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Overland Park Convention Center.
“We believe the health of HBHA, and other similar organizations are critical to the vitality and strength of a community,” said Bob Regnier.
Ann agreed, adding, “We are proud to be members of a community that comes together no matter what — we persevere in the face of challenge and we join together to celebrate the good times.”
A native of Kansas City and a graduate of Kansas State University and UMKC, Bob is a former chairman of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and an active board member of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Union Station, Johnson County Community College and the UMKC Foundation, among others. Ann is also an involved volunteer for many organizations with past service to the National WWI Museum and Memorial, KCUR and KCPT.
In 1989, Bob began Bank of Blue Valley, a locally owned and operated community bank with five locations throughout Johnson County. He has been a director, president and chief executive officer since its inception. Bank of Blue Valley, which just announced its merger with Morrill & Janes Bank & Trust, has adopted the pillars of community, philanthropy and entrepreneurship to assist in guiding its strategic direction.
Joining the Regniers in their HBHA tribute to the community are celebration chairs Amy and Dr. Peter Shapiro along with honorary chairs Esther and Stewart Stein and Enid and Pete Levi. These leaders are working diligently with a steering committee to formulate plans for the celebration and to encourage friends and family to support and join them for this special evening.
“We are putting together an exciting evening that will feature a cocktail hour, delicious food stations, presentations and a video before dessert,” said Amy Shapiro. “We look forward to celebrating the many ways that HBHA and our surrounding community benefit each other.”
HBHA is one of the oldest K-12 Jewish community day schools in the country. It is the only one in the state of Kansas and the Kansas City area. A dual-curriculum pluralistic school for all Jewish denominations, HBHA maximizes the personal, intellectual and spiritual development of each student. The Upper School has been named the number two area high school based on ACT scores for several years in a row.
Details about the CSA celebration can be found at hbha.edu, under the Civic Service Award listing. Sponsorships, tickets, advertising and donations may be purchased online. Contact Director of Development Kerry Cosner, 913-327-8156 or , with questions.