Virtual Dinner a Success

Virtual Dinner a Success

by | Nov 9, 2021 | Announcements, Event

Barberton Community Foundation Logo

On Thursday, November 4, Barberton Community Foundation held its Annual Dinner virtually on Zoom

Over 100 people joined, with some choosing to host small gatherings in their homes to watch the event. The night 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 $105 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 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.”

2021 Game Changer, Barberton City Schools

(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, Barberton Community Foundation

2021 Game Changer, Lisa McLean

Lisa McLean

2021 Game Changer, Summa Health – Barberton Campus

(L-R) Suzanne Allen, Ph.D., Executive Director, Barberton Community Foundation and Dr. Michael Hughes, President, Summa Health – Barberton Campus

Foundation Staff

(L-R) Kate DeAngelis, Ted Herncane, Karie Sattler, Josh Gordon Board Chair, Suzanne Allen, Carrie Herman, Brett Fogle, Kim Miller

Foundation Welcomes Karie Sattler as Office Manager

Foundation Welcomes Karie Sattler as Office Manager

by | Aug 31, 2021 | Announcements

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Karie Sattler as our new Office Manager. Karie’s first day was Monday, August 30.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work for the Foundation,” said Karie. “Everyone made me feel extremely welcome, and the first day went well.”

Suzanne Allen, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation said, “We are very pleased to welcome Karie to our team. She will continue the tradition of providing a warm welcome to Foundation guests as our unofficial director of first impressions.”

As the new Office Manager, Karie will provide administrative and organizational support to the staff, greet office visitors, handle information requests, process requests from the board, coordinate events, manage calendars and provide clerical functions. Karie will also be responsible for all board and committee meeting minutes for both Barberton Community Foundation and Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation. She will replace Kim Miller, who is retiring in November, 2021.

Karie brings seventeen years of office experience to Barberton Community Foundation. She most recently worked as an Administrative Assistant and New Account Coordinator for Cintas, and worked as an Office Manager at MJ Miller & Co. Karie enjoys spending time with her family and her four kids. Her three boys keep her busy, especially during baseball, soccer, and football season.  

 

Foundation Board Approves Second Cycle Grants for Arts and Community Programs

Foundation Board Approves Second Cycle Grants for Arts and Community Programs

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Announcements, Grants

Barberton Community Foundation Logo

The Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors met at the Active Adult Center on Thursday, July 15 to approve $63,179.50 for six grants in the second cycle for arts and community programming. The board also discussed several upcoming events, contracting with Heritage Ohio, and other business.

Grants:

City of Barberton was awarded $20,000 for the Foundation Fields lighting upgrade. This grant supports the installation of exterior LED lighting retrofit upgrades for all four fields at the Foundation Fields complex.

The Foundation awarded $15,000 to the City of Barberton Parks and Recreation Department for operating support including: programming, youth camps, summer concerts, the Mum Fest, and park maintenance.

Habitat for Humanity received $15,000 from the Foundation for their program called: Barberton New Home Build. Habitat builds homes for low-to-moderate income families and offers 30-year, zero interest mortgages.

Magical Theatre Company was awarded $5,500 for operating support to sustain the organization through the ongoing pandemic.

The Barberton High School Art Department was awarded $4,179.50 to purchase and integrate iPads in the creation of artwork. This will help students learn the creative applications many professionals use.

The Foundation granted $3,500 to United Way of Summit & Medina for their 2-1-1 program. The 2-1-1 Information and Referral hotline is a free, confidential 24/7 information helpline that helps residents with find health and social services, food pantries, and more.

Two motions for changes to funds:

The Board approved two motions regarding funds held at the Foundation. First, there are several funds established by Barberton Summa Hospital: the Barberton Alumni Physician Now and Forever Funds and the Barberton Alumni Physician Scholarship Fund. The Foundation approved, at the recommendation of Dr. Michael Hughes (fund advisor), to consolidate these funds in order to grow the Barberton Alumni Physician Scholarship Fund for Barberton students.

Second, the Foundation approved that the Barberton Salvation Army Now and Forever Fund, which uses funds raised from the Labor Day event, expand its purpose statement to: “the purpose of the Fund shall be to support local nonprofit organizations that contribute to the overall health and well-being of the citizens of Barberton by services to the underserved population.” This change was made at the recommendation of Denny Liddle, who is the fund advisor and originator.

Events:

The Foundation has contracted with Heritage Ohio, which will be conducting an introductory event in the fall. The Foundation is also planning donor and board events, has partnered with Magical Theatre for Tuscany on Tusc, and is planning their Annual Dinner for November 4. Tickets will go on sale in the fall.

If you want to learn more about the Foundation, visit our website at barbertoncf.org or please give us a call at 330-745-5995.

Nominate a Game Changer

Nominate a Game Changer

by | Jun 17, 2021 | Announcements

Nominate a Game Changer

Game Changer Application Opens

It’s that time of year again! The annual Game Changer Award is open and accepting nominations through July 15. 2021 has been an exceptional year for many reasons. Help us identify those individuals and organizations who deserve recognition! You can download a nomination form or apply online by following the links below.

Read about our past Game Changers >

Criteria:

Nominees should be an individual or an organization that has made a positive impact in Barberton through their leadership, vision and/or commitment to the community. Tell us what you admire about them, how they have benefitted Barberton, and acts of service they have performed. Nominees should be connected to the community as a resident, a volunteer, or through their work.

Recognition:

The Game Changer award is traditionally presented during Barberton Community Foundation’s annual dinner. This year’s annual dinner is on Thursday, November 4 at the Galaxy Restaurant. Tickets and sponsorships for the dinner will be announced later this summer.

Process and evaluation:

The application window is open until July 15. A committee consisting of a cross section of citizens from Barberton reviews all nominations and makes a selection by the end of July.

 Application:

PDF Nomination Form
Online Nomination Form

Ray E. Leach, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ray E. Leach, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

by | May 25, 2021 | Announcements, Grants

Ray E. Leach, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to welcome the Leach Family to the Foundation with the announcement of the Ray E. Leach, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tina, Kathy, Mike, and Ray have decided to honor their father (and Brianna her grandfather), with a scholarship that will benefit a Barberton student pursuing a trade school or technical education.

Ray Sr. was a self-made man who was always helping others. He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their passion and do what they do best. This scholarship is designed to remember Ray Sr. in his belief of a brighter future, to further students’ talents and help them financially, no matter their passion.

If you would like to support the Ray E. Leach, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, there are several ways to make a donation.

You can give Barberton Community Foundation a call at 330-745-5995 or send a check by mail to 460 W. Paige Ave. Barberton, OH 44203. Be sure to mention the Ray Leach Sr. Scholarship as your designation.

Donate Online

In May 2021, the Leach Family awarded their first scholarship to Skylar Ramsey, which coincided on the 50th anniversary celebration of Leach’s Meats and Sweets. Congratulations Skylar and Leach Family! 

Barberton Community Foundation Turns 25

Barberton Community Foundation Turns 25

by | May 19, 2021 | Announcements

Barberton Community Foundation Logo

Executive Director, Suzanne Allen, shares an overview of 25 years of impact from the Foundation

2021 is a special year for Barberton Community Foundation. We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary!

Officially, our anniversary is in September – September 27, 2021 to be exact. It all started 25 years ago, when Barberton voters overwhelmingly supported turning an original $86 million in funds and securities from the sale of Barberton Citizens Hospital into a lasting endowment.

From this endowment, Barberton Community Foundation was created as a tax-exempt nonprofit, and the funds were permanently invested with the intent to use the interest to support grants and scholarships.  By law, a community foundation can only make grants to nonprofits, and the only individuals who may receive funds are scholarship awardees.

Our founders also wanted to make sure the monies from the sale of the hospital stayed in Barberton forever, and so crafted language in our by-laws that state we can only make grants to support nonprofits that support the residents of Barberton.

The first grant made by the Foundation was on February 2, 1997. The new Foundation Board voted to uphold their promise to the community and fund the $32 million necessary to build an entirely new facility for Barberton High School. This grant was contingent upon the citizens of Barberton approving a $32 million bond issue, which they did. Over the course of the past 25 years, this investment for the high school has saved Barberton residents $58 million in taxes.

Since its inception, and because of the interest earned from the permanently invested funds and generous contributions from donors, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded 5,263 grants to nonprofits serving our community and 3,319 scholarships to our graduates totaling more than $107million. We hope you’ll agree these 25 years have provided a great return on voter’s original investment, and we look forward to continuing our good work.

As always, the mission of Barberton Community Foundation is to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good.

If you want to learn more about the Foundation, visit our website at barbertoncf.org or please give us a call at 330-745-5995.