Winter 2021
Board of Directors Josh Gordon, Chair Jason Slater, Vice Chair Jennifer Bidlingmyer, Treasurer Lynne Holcomb, Secretary Jim Bauschlinger Moriah Cheatham-Williams Paul Epner Brett Haverlick Trevor Hunt Mayor William Judge Denny Liddle Elizabeth Mayreis Craig Megyes Jeff Ramnytz Deb Shreiner Staff Suzanne Allen, Ph.D. Executive Director Kate DeAngelis Director of Marketing Brett Fogle, CPA, MT Director of Finance Carrie Herman Director of Community Impact Ted Herncane Director of Economic Development Karie Sattler Office Manager
Inside Letter from Board Chair Josh Gordon 25 Years of Gratitude Suzanne Allen Welcome New Rehman Scholarship Third Cycle Grant Announcements Top Photo: (L-R) Josh Gordon, Barberton Community Foundation Board Chair; Anita Downie, OAPSE; Danny Viningre, AFSCME Chapter Chair; Jeff Ramnytz, Superintendent Barberton City Schools; Krista McCoy, BEA Union President; Suzanne Allen, Executive Director
Foundation Celebrates with Final Payment Each year, Barberton Community Foundation celebrates with its donors, fund holders, friends and community partners at the Annual Dinner in November. This year looked a little different, with the event held via virtually via Zoom and broadcast from the Foundation’s office. We are proud to share the evening was successful; with more than 100 people logging on and some choosing to host small gatherings in their homes to watch the event. The event was full of celebration for the Foundation’s 25th anniversary and included a check presentation for $2.1 million to Barberton City Schools for the final payment on Barberton High School. The payment represents the completion of the first promise Barberton Community Foundation made to its residents: agreeing to build Barberton High School. The Foundation has been making payments on the building for more than 20 years and has saved residents $58 million in real estate taxes. Josh Gordon, Foundation Board Chair, said that the completion of the school payment is a success we all share. “As we celebrate the conclusion of the biggest project in the history of the Foundation, we must begin the work of finding the next aspects of our community in need of support. We are focused on identifying our greatest needs, especially in the areas of economic development and education. After 25 years and more than $109 million in grants, Barberton Community Foundation is just getting started.” The honored guests of the evening were 2021 Game Changers Lisa McLean, Dr. Michael Hughes
representing Summa Health – Barberton Campus and Jeff Ramnytz, representing Barberton City Schools. Each Game Changer received an award from the Foundation and a proclamation from the state. Suzanne Allen, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation, said that while this annual dinner was unique, the sense of gratitude and appreciation for the Barberton community that is so present during the traditional event, was definitely felt through the screen. “I want to thank everyone who attended virtually tonight. Thank you for helping to make this event safe and accessible to all, and for helping us celebrate tonight.” Suzanne said. “I especially want to thank our Game Changers for joining us, and for the incredible work they have done for this community. Each of you and your organizations are truly appreciated.” The Foundation extends a special thank you to Vic Myers who, per tradition, made the invocation for the event. The evening ended with an announcement from Suzanne regarding a new fund called Celebrate Barberton, created with the Foundation’s anniversary in mind. The new fund will partner with the City of Barberton to provide grants to each ward in the City for community projects, fostering engagement and community sprit across the city. “Barberton is special,” Suzanne concluded. “Not only is it one of a very few small towns with a significant community foundation, but it has an enormous sense of pride – purple pride. For that too, we are thankful. Thank you all.”