Stories

"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...

Family fund empowers three generations of giving

David and Cheryl Venarge are Akron success stories, but their success didn't come easy. Now, through the David R. and Cheryl L. Venarge Fund, they're keeping a family tradition of giving alive with both their children and grandchildren. Each was raised by...

Allan Family Fund

For art enthusiast Ron Allan, Akron is a fantastic place to live. It was this community where he cultivated his love for the arts and began immersing himself in organizations that promote both art and music. "Akron is so culturally rich," he said. "It is a...

Lou Albertson

Lou Albertson was just a child when she started giving back to her community. Each Sunday during Lent, she would put her pennies, nickels and dimes into the collection plate at church. As she grew older, those coins turned into dollars and she continued to...

Grant brings new shoes, confidence to children in Akron Public Schools

As a former guidance counselor for Akron Public Schools, Barbara Oldham knows how heart wrenching it can be to see students whose basic needs aren't being met. Often, she could tell just by the shoes on their feet. "In the winter, they would be wearing...

Kids dig into farm-fresh food with Millennium grant

"Where do eggs come from?" For many kids, especially those who live in the city, the answer is simply "the grocery store." In fact, many of them have never seen a chicken in person or even visited a real farm. But all of that is changing with the help of a...

Downtown Akron ties trails together with new Towpath signs

By: Akronist staff Downtown Akron has gained a greater connection to the world class amenity running through its backyard – the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Through support from Akron Community Foundation and the John S. and James L....

Gay Games 9 provides international catalyst for change

By Thom Callahan, Akronist contributor The streets of Akron and Cleveland set an international stage in Northeast Ohio in August 2014 when visitors, athletes and allies from around the globe arrived for Gay Games 9. "We're a relatively small...

Grant to diversion program changes teen lives

As a retired Akron police officer, John Bailey has seen his share of criminal activity. Much of this activity is the result of repeat offenders with tumultuous backgrounds, some stretching as far back as childhood. Now, as a part-time deputy with the...

Collaboration helps teen moms earn their GED

Pregnancy changes everything. That's what nearly 75 teenage girls in Kenmore are discovering as they navigate the challenges of motherhood with the help of Teen Moms. The program, which started with just a few girls meeting in the back of a funeral home, has...

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