Foundation Presents Awards at Luncheon

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) presented two awards at its 2010 Annual Luncheon on Wednesday, September 8. The Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award was presented to Frank and Rosemary Bloom and the Bridge Builder Award was given to Christine A. Buttress, Esq. of Graydon Head.

The Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award, presented since 1987, recognizes the leadership and generosity of time provided by an individual or couple committed to improving the quality of life in Greater Cincinnati. The Award was named in honor of Jacob E. Davis, GCF’s first Governing Board Chair and Volunteer Director from 1978 to 1987.

The Blooms have been dedicated community volunteers for many years. Frank, the retired CEO and owner of CINO Company-Flavor Makers, is currently a board member for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Cincinnati and the Planned Parenthood Foundation Board. He is a founder and former board member of Valley Temple, a board member for Cancer Family Care, Glen Manor: Jewish Home for the Aged, Jewish Family Service and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Rosemary is passionate about organizations that assist people who are visually impaired. For nearly 30 years, she has transcribed books for children attending Cincinnati Public Schools. She was a founding board member of Radio Reading Services (which merged with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired) and has volunteered there for more than 30 years. Rosemary has also given her time as a board member to the National Council of Jewish Women, Rockdale Temple, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, Playhouse in the Park and the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Board.

Together, the Blooms have been honored with a Community Service Award from the American Jewish Committee and Leave a Legacy’s Voices of Giving Award.

As a volunteer, Frank was a member of GCF’s Governing Board from 1992-2000; has served on numerous operational and grantmaking committees; and remains involved with the Foundation’s community work as a member of the Health advisory committee. Rosemary is one of the founders of the Women’s Fund of GCF.

“In every respect, Frank and Rosemary Bloom exemplify the vision and mission of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation,” said GCF President/CEO Kathryn E. Merchant. “They believe in this community’s past, present and future. And they have spent their time and charitable giving in wise support of this great community for many decades. We are truly fortunate to call the Blooms our friends.”

As the Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award recipient, the Blooms have the privilege of designating a $10,000 grant to one or more local nonprofits. They have asked that it be divided between the Freestore Foodbank and Tender Mercies.

Christine A. Buttress, Esq. of Graydon Head received the second annual Bridge Builders Award. The Bridge Builder Award recognizes a professional advisor who has been a supporter of the Foundation in multiple ways over many years. Buttress has practiced law in Greater Cincinnati for more than 25 years.

“Chris is a great supporter of the Foundation,” said Suzanne M. Rohlfs, Director of Professional Advisor Relations. “She raises awareness about GCF in the community and specifically, in the professional advisor community.  Whenever asked, she is willing to be an advocate and to speak about the benefits of charitable giving and GCF.” 

A grant is being made to Pro Seniors in honor of Buttress.