Francie and John Pepper to Receive Volunteer Leadership Award
CINCINNATI – The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) will present the Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award at its Annual Luncheon on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Award will be presented to Francie and John Pepper. John Pepper is a 1960 graduate of Yale University.
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.
Francie and John Pepper have a long history of making Greater Cincinnati a better place through corporate and community service. Mr. Pepper spent his 40-year career in various positions at Procter & Gamble, including Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Board of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Mrs. Pepper has worked with various organizations benefiting women and children. She has served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and is currently a board member.
“Francie and John Pepper embody the very spirit of leadership and philanthropy that Jake Davis shared with Greater Cincinnati when he helped to start GCF, the same kind of rich commitment to community that caused us to name this award in Jake’s honor,” said GCF President/CEO Kathryn Merchant. “Together and separately, around a host of passionate concerns, the Peppers are tirelessly devoted to making our community – and our world – a better place for generations to come.”
Both Peppers have been very involved with Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC). Mr. Pepper is a co-founder of the organization and serves on its executive committee. Mrs. Pepper served on CYC’s finance committee and was a full-time volunteer for several years.
Together the Peppers have received many accolades for their community work including the National United Way Award, the White Rose Award from Rosie O’Donnell’s For All Kids Foundation, and the Humanitarian Award from the African Methodist Episcopal International Convention.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation helps people make the most of their giving to build a better community. We believe in the power of philanthropy to change the lives of people and communities. As a community foundation, GCF creates a prosperous Greater Cincinnati by investing in thriving people and vibrant places. An effective steward of the community’s charitable resources since 1963, the Foundation inspires philanthropy in eight counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
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