Just say no? When it comes to volunteering and helping others, Madeline Bozzelli just can’t help but say yes.
Bozzelli’s is one of the most-mentioned names in Akron volunteer and fundraising circles as she has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise countless dollars for the Akron community through the years. Her volunteering began in the 1960s when the Friends of Children’s Hospital asked her to join their group. Now, she serves on the boards of 28 organizations, her biggest being the Ohio Ballet, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Friends of Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Tree Festival, St. Thomas Hospital Women’s Board and the American Diabetes Association.
Sixteen years ago, Frieda Corbin and Bozzelli created the Iris Ball as a Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital Auxiliary fund raiser. It has evolved into an event, sponsored by the Community Board of Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital, that recognizes approximately 15 young women each year for their leadership and commitment to their school and community.
Madeline is retired from the county Board of Elections. Her husband of more than 40 years, Libert, is a retired sheet metal business agent and former Cuyahoga Falls and Summit County councilman. He’s also heavily involved with the community as a former ballet trustee and a current board member for the Akron Symphony, Akron Civic Theatre, Soap Box Derby and Friends of the Kent State University Museum.
–Zachary Jackson