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A Common Theme

Akron Community Foundation is a library of personal stories. Their authors? Charitable people just like you who want to enrich the community in their own unique way, now and forever.

Some are fundholder stories, which feature charitable individuals, families and organizations that find purpose, ease and fulfillment by giving through Akron Community Foundation. Others are grantee stories about nonprofits that are leveraging generous gifts from our donors and fundholders to improve life all over Summit County. Still others are advisor stories about legal and financial professionals who have expanded their services and strengthened client relationships by offering philanthropic services through Akron Community Foundation.

Ready to write your own story? Learn how you can start a charitable fund and leave your mark on the community for generations to come. You can also read our publications for more inspiring stories about philanthropy in Greater Akron.

Millennium Fund gets surprise gift from Santa Claus
Millennium Fund gets surprise gift from Santa Claus
It was an unlikely chain of events that led Medina County resident Bob Pohto to the Millennium Fund for Children. Pohto was flying out of Akron-Canton Regional Airport last December for a business trip in Mississippi when he came across someone handing out...
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Steven Baach Charities Fund
Steven Baach Charities Fund
From the time he learned to walk, Steven Baach was playing sports. "Steve was either kicking, shooting, throwing, hitting or catching a ball," said his father, Mike Baach. "As he grew, whether it was soccer, basketball, baseball or golf, he occupied all his...
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Dante Lavelli Scholarship Fund
Dante Lavelli Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund at Akron Community Foundation is carrying on the legacy of a local hero. Established in 2010, the Dante B. and Joy W. Lavelli Athletic Academic Scholarship Fund honors the career of the Browns football legend by helping athletes at Hudson...
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Andreoli Fund rebuilds cabins for kids
Andreoli Fund rebuilds cabins for kids
Beneath a blanket of August sun and humidity, Rennick and Dee Andreoli uncovered a little piece of heaven – or, at the very least, a haven for a special group of children. Their afternoon at Akron Rotary Camp began with sounds of water splashing, counselors...
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Charles E. and Mary K. Booth Family Fund
Charles E. and Mary K. Booth Family Fund
Martha Booth came to Akron Community Foundation on a mission: She wanted to find the most pressing needs in Summit County and support them with her family's donor-advised fund.   The whole Booth family is passionate about helping children, so when...
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Hip-Hop Showcase promotes peace, unity
Hip-Hop Showcase promotes peace, unity
Modern hip-hop music often gets a bad rap for encouraging violence. But do a little digging and its roots reveal quite the opposite. "The hip-hop culture was (based on) peace, love, unity and having fun," said Ismail Al-Amin, executive director of Keepers of...
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Black Keys Fund
Black Keys Fund
The first time Black Keys drummer Pat Carney heard of Alfred McMoore, it was via answering machine. "This is Alfred McMoore. Your black key is taking too long." The message was meant for Pat's father, Beacon Journal writer Jim Carney, who was writing an...
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H. Peter Burg Fund
H. Peter Burg Fund
Lemonade stands are a rite of passage during childhood: The experience of selling homemade drinks goes a long way in teaching kids important lessons about hard work and the value of a dollar. But when Stow resident Eileen Burg encouraged her granddaughter...
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Legacy of Kindness Fund
Legacy of Kindness Fund
On the outside, Marissa Norwood was like any other 12-year-old girl: She loved vanilla milkshakes, her dogs and her family. She was an ace at card games, and she never missed the opportunity to give a good hug. Unlike most seventh graders, though, Marissa was...
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