Stories

Accountant helps asphalt heirs give gift and give back

When a family business is considering a significant financial move, their accountant is often the first to know. That was the case for Pam Perrin Kostoff, daughter of Perrin Asphalt Company owners Charles and Patricia Perrin. After a record year of profits,...

Millennium Fund teaches lifelong lessons in giving

Taylor Wessels served as a youth representative on the Millennium Fund from 1999 to 2005. Now married and living in Cincinnati, Taylor reflects on the lessons he learned about philanthropy as a teen: Ever since I was old enough to get an allowance, my...

Night at the Museum program spotlights budding artists

As an internationally acclaimed museum, the Akron Art Museum is famous for its massive collection of art created by virtuosos like Norman Rockwell and Cindy Sherman. But six times a year, the museum showcases special pieces of art created by a different kind...

'Elves' spread holiday joy with special deliveries to Akron youth

It was a quiet Sunday morning in December when a parade of fire trucks, police cars and semi-trailers suddenly appeared in a small Akron neighborhood blasting their horns. Children and parents alike came running out of their houses, shouting with excitement...

Grant helps African-American girls reduce anxiety

By Stephanie L. LangguthAssistant Director of Advancement CommunicationsKent State University Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million U.S. adults age 18 and older – 18 percent of the U.S. population....

Local secretary leaves lasting mark

Betty Axline, an Ellet native, spent nearly 40 years working as a secretary for some of the nation's most notable companies: Goodyear Aircraft, General Tire and Chemstrand/Monsanto. She was a woman of modest means, yet every year she donated her last...

Corporate giving sparked by owner's love for local children

After years of welcoming foster children into their home, Akron residents Kurt and Kathy Davis were overjoyed when the opportunity finally came to adopt two babies of their own. Summit County Children Services had called, asking if they could take two more...

Business owners demonstrate love for Bath

Two years ago, when Kevin Kroskey bought a home and an office building in Bath Township, it wasn't just a business decision. It was a matter of the heart. "Bath had always spoken to us," said Kevin of himself and his wife, Brandy. "There is a resounding sense...

Donor-advised fund simplifies client's giving after business sale

Good business owners are known for their ability to capitalize on opportunity. This is especially true when deciding to sell their business. More and more business owners are using what is likely their largest influx of income as the charitable opportunity of...

Mother's legacy spurs siblings' charity

"When I was a child, philanthropy looked like a dress-up party," said Ann Durr, daughter of the late businesswoman and philanthropist Kathryn Hunter. "I remember going with my mom to Birnbaum's. They had this room with a giant chandelier and a pedestal, and...

A Common Theme

Stay Connected