GCF Celebrates Regional Changemakers
Throughout Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF)’s 60-year history, we have had the privilege of partnering with a multitude of dedicated and generous people. Together, our impact has been truly extraordinary, resulting in over $1.69 billion in grants for nonprofits and an immeasurable amount of volunteer hours. We proudly recognize three of these remarkable individuals each year through our Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award, Bridge Builder Award, and The Devou Cup.
Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award
The Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award is given each year by GCF to recognize volunteers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, creativity, and generosity of spirit. Jacob E. Davis served as GCF’s first Governing Board chairman and the Foundation’s volunteer director from 1978 to 1987.
This year’s recipient is Peter Strange, chairman emeritus of Messer, Inc. In 1989, Strange led Messer Construction through a transition to employee ownership, afterward becoming chairman and CEO of Messer, Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew from one office with less than 200 employees to nine offices across four states with more than 800 employees.
Strange is a dedicated community member, serving on several boards and committees including the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Ten Thousand Villages, Cincinnati Museums Foundation, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He also served as chair of the GCF governing board.
Bridge Builder Award
GCF has been fortunate to collaborate with numerous professionals such as attorneys, financial advisors, accountants and other advisors who introduce their clients with charitable interests to GCF. Each year, the Bridge Builder Award is presented to a professional advisor who has consistently supported our work and serves as an ambassador for philanthropy in our community.
Holly Mazzocca is this year’s Bridge Builder Award recipient. Mazzocca is President of Barlett Wealth Management where she also serves as a wealth advisor and principal. In her role, she guides the firm’s strategic vision, growth culture and overall client experience. Mazzocca leads WEinvest™, Bartlett’s strategic offering for female clients who are seeking a deeper connection with their wealth. She is also a champion of Bartlett’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment program.
In the community, Mazzocca supports initiatives that align with her passions and life experiences. She serves on numerous boards and committees, including as a board member for Interact for Health. Previously, she was board chair for DCCH Center for Children and Families, board member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and committee chair for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative Regional Summit.
The Devou Cup
The Devou Cup was established in 2004 by GCF’s Northern Kentucky Fund to recognize the generous contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact on the quality of community life in Northern Kentucky.
This year’s Cup recipient is Suits That Rock, a group of musically talented community and corporate leaders who have created an annual benefit concert for The Carnegie. The Carnegie is the only multidisciplinary arts venue in Northern Kentucky, providing access and education for the arts.
Suits that Rock was founded in 2003 by Paul Bromwell, Kevin Canafax, Greg Shumate, and GCF board member John Domaschko. The show features 30+ Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky business leaders who step out of the office and onto the stage for a three-hour rock concert. Over the past 17 years, these “Suits” have raised nearly $2 million for The Carnegie, supporting 92,000 hours of arts programming in theater, visual arts, music, dance and more for students who may not otherwise have access to the arts.
