Awards
Recognizing philanthropy in action
Greater Cincinnati Foundation often honors individuals for their exceptional generosity in our community. Learn more about our Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award, our Bridge Builder Award and our Devou Cup Honorees below.
Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award
Jacob (Jake) E. Davis was Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s first Governing Board chairman and the Foundation’s volunteer director from 1978 until 1987. Jake gave generously of his time, energy, wisdom and personal resources to help the community and to develop GCF’s assets.
His contributions to schools, universities, church, healthcare institutions, United Way, and to civic endeavors at the local, state and national levels reflect his belief that the individual can have a positive impact on his or her community by making and fulfilling a personal commitment to address community issues. GCF mourned Jake’s passing in early 2003.
The Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award is presented annually by the Foundation to honor volunteers who stand out because of their leadership, vision, creativity and generosity of spirit.
| Recipients of the Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 – Mike and Digi Schueler | 2024 – Pete Strange | 2023 – Bob Coughlin |
| 2022 – David S. Taylor | 2021 – Beverly A. Grant | 2020 – Gail and J. Phillip Holloman |
| 2019 – Dianne Rosenberg | 2018 – Kitty and Dick Rosenthal | 2017 – Tom Williams |
| 2016 – Joe and Louise Head | 2015 – Wym and Jan Portman | 2014 – Ed and Carole Rigaud |
| 2013 – Shannon and Lee Carter | 2012 – Francie and John Pepper | 2011 – Dr. Myrtis H. Powell |
| 2010 – Frank and Rosemary Bloom | 2009 – William and Susan Friedlander | 2008 – Herbert R. Brown |
| 2007 – Joseph and Susan Pichler | 2005 – Carrie Baker Keneipp, Gavin Leonard, Beth Sence, Gabrielle Summe, Lamont Taylor, Stacey Walsh | 2004 – Molly Bischoff, Marena Brown, Bill Donabedian, Lara and Mark Guttadauro, George Long, Sean Rhiney, Heather Sturgill |
| 2003 – Daniel & Minor LeBlond, Kathryn M. Pettengill, Dr. Jean W. Rothenberg, Ruth S. Upson | 2002 – Miriam West | 2001 – Harry Santen |
| 2000 – Dick Bere | 1999 – The Rev. L.H. Mayfield | 1998 – Melissa Lanier |
| 1997 – Judge Robert and Helen Black | 1996 – Tony Linz | 1995 – G. Gibson “Gibby” Carey IV |
| 1994 – Virginia Weatherbie | 1993 – Marian A. Spencer | 1992 – Susan I. Radabaugh |
| 1991 – J. Rawson Collins | 1990 – Joan Jones Portman | 1989 – Elizabeth D. Goldsmith |
| 1988 – William T. Robinson III | 1987 – Robert P. Jahnigen |
Bridge Builder Award
Since its inception, Greater Cincinnati Foundation has had the privilege of working with many professionals, including estate planners, financial advisors, insurance professionals and others, who connect their charitably-inclined clients with GCF’s resources. In 2009, GCF created the Bridge Builder Award, to be given each year to a professional advisor who has been a supporter of the Foundation in multiple ways over many years.
| Recipients of the Bridge Builder Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 – Kelly Wittich, Financial Advisor at UBS, FTB Financial Services | 2024 – Holly H. Mazzocca, Bartlett Wealth Management | 2023 – Michael A. Hirschfeld, Bricker Graydon LLP |
| 2022 – R. Daniel Fales, Clark Schaefer Hackett | 2021 – Terence L. Horan, HORAN | 2019 – Bartlett Wealth Management |
| 2018 – Mary Rust, Taft/ | 2017 – Denice Hertlein, Watch Hill Advisory | 2016 – David W. Ellis III, UBS Financial Services, Inc. |
| 2015 – Patricia D. Laub, Frost Brown Todd LLC | 2014 – Foster & Motley, Inc. | 2013 – FTB/UBS Financial Services |
| 2012 – John Lame, Lenox | 2011 – William Montague, Frost Brown Todd LLC | 2010 – Christine A. Buttress, Graydon |
| 2009 – Bob Brant, Katz Teller and Paul Sittenfeld, Baird |
The Devou Cup
The Devou Cup was created in 2004 by The Northern Kentucky Fund to honor the generosity of a donor who has made a profound difference in the quality of community life in Northern Kentucky, today and tomorrow. The award was named in honor of the generosity exemplified by William Devou, a 19th century philanthropist.
| Recipients of the Devou Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 – Jeanne Schroer | 2024 – Suits That Rock | 2023 – Mike Hammons |
| 2022 – Bob and Dell Ann Sathe | 2021 – Edwin T. (Ted) and Marlene Robinson | 2020 – Chuck and Julie Geisen Schepergement |
| 2019 – Marie and Dick Tapke | 2018 – Joan and Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III | 2017 – John and Jane Domaschko |
| 2016 – Wilbert L. Ziegler | 2015 – Ellen and Dr. George Rieveschl | 2014 – Frank and Patricia Sommerkamp |
| 2013 – Bill and Sue Butler | 2012 – Clyde and Mary Middleton | 2011 – Alice Sparks |
| 2010 – Judy Clabes | 2009 – Henry “Bud” Pogue, IV and Betty Pogue | 2008 – Oakley and Eva Farris |
| 2007 – Cliff and Pat Borland | 2006 – Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. | 2005 – R.C. Durr |
| 2004 – Ralph and Irmaleen Drees |
