Docs Who Rock is this Saturday. If you don't have your tickets yet, there's still time. Visit Ticketmaster.com the EJ Thomas box office.

Volunteer Center Remains Part of United Way of Summit County

A public announcement regarding the merger of Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) created some confusion regarding the role and program home of the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center remains a program of United Way of Summit County, providing free one-on-one volunteer referral and placement, Done-in-a-Day projects for small groups of employees, and our annual Day of Action, enrolling more than 1,100 volunteers in a wide range of community projects.

United Way of Summit County continues to add value to our corporate and workplace donors beyond facilitating the annual fund raising campaign. We have served Summit County residents and employees for 95 years, and will continue to be a year-round community resource. As such we will continue to provide essential programs and services such as:

• Our Volunteer Center also provides Summit County’s only community-wide celebration of volunteerism, coordinates Corporate Volunteer Council activities, and provides educational training programs and volunteer management workshops,

• United Way’s Project Blueprint has just graduated our tenth class of Minority men and women who are committed to helping community agencies become more inclusive, responsive and reflective of our culturally diverse community. The program provides training, guidance, placement opportunities and networking related to being on a nonprofit Board,

• Our Neighborhood Leadership Institute partnership has just graduated its third class of men and women who have been trained to increase grassroots leadership engagement. Project Blueprint and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute are important components of the leadership development continuum in Summit County,

• With our Project Blueprint database, our association with community groups such as Torchbearers and Leadership Akron, and our knowledge of community agencies and their volunteer requirements we help employers access appointments to Boards and committees that may interest their employees.

Bob Kulinski, president of United Way of Summit County said, “United Way of Summit County encourages and supports programs that increase the service capacity of non-profit organizations, especially during these challenging economic conditions. Center for Non Profit Excellence has been one of Summit County’s leading capacity-building organizations, and we count on the new BVU: Center for Nonprofit Excellence as well as other organizations – including United Way of Summit County – to actively engage in this important work.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way volunteers are the best anywhere. This morning's meeting of the Business Model Task Force was thoughtful and insightful. Thanks!

United Way's 9th Power of the Purse Luncheon to be held June 21

The Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Summit County is hosting its annual Power of the Purse Luncheon on June 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quaker Station located at the intersection of Broadway and Mill Streets in Downtown Akron. The cost is $25 per person or $190 dollars for a table for eight.

The 2011 Power of the Purse will commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Families of Flight 93, a local remembrance of the community outreach through the Greater Akron Fire Truck Fund, and the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award.

The keynote speaker is Deborah Borza, the executive board member and treasurer of Families of Flight 93, a non-profit organization which has vied for the construction of a memorial at the crash site of Flight 93. Her daughter, Deora Frances Bodley, was the youngest female passenger on Flight 93, the fourth airliner hijacked on September 11, 2001. The passengers overpowered the hijackers, and the plane crashed in Shanksville, PA, no doubt saving hundreds of lives in Washington, D.C., most likely the terrorists’ intended target.

Following the death of her daughter, Ms. Borza led the charge for a Flight 93 memorial and co-founded Families for Flight 93. She is committed to a promise for the world, where all people know themselves for the difference that they make. She makes sure that her daughter Deora’s life is a catalyst for Peace. Debby is planning to have a book written about Deora’s life experiences for all to relate to and creating a foundation that promotes world peace among all people, especially utilizing youth from around the world, making a difference regardless of cultural, religious and geopolitical diversity.

The topic of her address for the Power of the Purse luncheon will be ‘Your Choices Change Lives.’

The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award, which since 2004 has been be given to one woman in recognition of her outstanding philanthropic activities. This year’s recipient is Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio.

Judge Teodosio has shown a great enthusiasm for children and advancing their best interests. She has worked alongside agencies that help serve abused and neglected children such as the Summit County Children Services, the local Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board, as well as schools and counseling agencies.

Recently, Judge Teodosio acted as a key figure in the development and implementation of the inaugural “Summit for Kids” forum. The two-day event featured professional workshops, medical, dental, and mental health resources and family entertainment and drew an audience of more than 8,000.

Judge Teodosio has also been involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program/ Guardian ad Litem Program (CASA/ GAL) of Summit County since entering office in 2004. The CASA/GAL program has since grown to over 300 volunteers, making it the largest such program in the state. The program trains community volunteers to serve 1,200 abused and neglected children annually.

Another highlight of the event will be a drawing for a Coach designer handbag donated by Dillard’s at Summit Mall. Deadline for reservations is June 14, 2011. To RSVP call Andi at United Way (330.643.5502) or email areed@uwsummit.org.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way of Summit County Seeks Musical Acts for Docs Who Rock 8

United Way of Summit County’s annual Docs Who RockTM physician talent show will be held at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, ‘Roctober’ 22, 2011 beginning at 7:00 pm. Docs Who Rock has become an entertainment and philanthropic phenomenon, providing local doctors an opportunity to showcase their musical talents and men and women a chance to see their physicians in a whole new light.

Because of growing interest from the region’s many talented musicians and singers, musical acts will be asked to submit an application and support materials by June 24, 2011 to United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Street, Akron, OH 44304. A committee of musical experts, led by Docs Who Rock co-founder Dr. Terry Gordon, will select participating artists based on the information and materials available to them, so the applications should contain as much of the following as possible: current CD, audio and/or video tapes; press reviews/articles; posters/flyers; and a one-paragraph description of the group or artist.

As in the past, musical acts must have at least one member who is a Doctor (M.D. or D.O.) and who lives or practices in Summit County. Solo acts are also welcome, and all musical styles are encouraged to apply

United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski said, “This show continues to evolved and improve each year. Last year’s winning act was Dr. Todd Beyer and Meleah Backhaus, who performed a beautiful classical piano piece. They certainly expanded the definition of what it means to ‘Rock,’ just like seeing their doctors in this very different setting has helped many people redefine their doctor/patient relationship.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Summit Dislocated Workers meet again

The second meeting of the Summit County Dislocated Worker Support Group was held on Thursday, May 12, 2011, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm, at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Street, This support group was been organized by United Way of Summit County, Tri-County Labor Council, Rapid Response and The Job Center of Summit County.

The group is open to all unemployed men and women, not just Union members. Representatives from The Job Center, Goodwill Industries, Department of Job and Family Services and local unions spoke on the current job situation and services available through their respective organizations. Additionally, there was a presentation on the unique employment struggles of ex-offenders. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and network with presenters and each other.

Refreshments were provided courtesy United Way of Summit County. All those in attendance were entered in a drawing for a $50 gasoline gift card.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

WAKR Radio and AkronNewsNow.com covered the event. A link to that coverage is avilable here: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=45349§ion=news&subsection=localnews&title=AUDIO_Support_Group_Formed_For_Area_Jobless

United Way's Annual Meeting

The United Way of Summit County (UWSC) held its 93rd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 26, at the Sheraton Suites, to a capacity crowd of 370. In the Annual Meeting, the organization recognized its community activists who act as Superheroes, sometimes unknowingly, through their commitment to giving, advocating, and volunteering.
The Board of Directors elected nine new members: William L. Caplan, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs; David C. Jennings, Akron-Summit County Public Library; Christine Amer Mayer, The GAR Foundation; Russell M. Pry, Summit County Executive; Richard J. Noechel, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Mark Scheffler, Leadership Akron; Thomas M. Welsh, TM Welsh Consulting; Bernett L. Williams, Akron Children’s Hospital; and Henry C. Zelman, Rubber City Radio Group. The Board also re-elected nine members for a second three-year term: Philip J. Cajka, Audio-Technica, U.S.; William H. Feth, AESCO Electronics; Valerie A. Geiger, PNC Bank; Dennis L. Gladin, GOJO Industries; Jay T. Griffith, ExxonMobil Chemical; Randy S. Katz, City Scrap & Salvage; James J. Keeslar, BCG & Company; Brian J. Moore, Roetzel & Andress; and Jeff Rovnak, Wells Fargo Advisors.
New officers for the Board will be: Chair, Theresa Carter, OMNOVA Solutions; Vice Chair, William R. Feth, AESCO Electronics; Treasurer, James J. Keeslar, BCG & Company; and Secretary, Margaret Williams, AT&T Ohio.
This year’s program included the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Since 1959, this award has been presented annually to individuals who consistently demonstrate the highest degree of interest, personal dedication and service in a volunteer capacity to the improvement of education, income, and health in Summit County.
The 2011 Distinguished Service Award recipient is David A. Brockman, who has volunteered his time and talents to the United Way for more than 20 years, including a term as chairman on the board, and the chair of the Regional United Way Task Force. He also served in leader roles with United Disability Services, Portage Country Club, Rockynol Retirement Community, Weathervane Community Playhouse, Akron City Club and others.
Also at its Annual Meeting, United Way presented the Lois A. Foster Community Builder Award to recipient Ethel L. Chambers. Ms. Chambers has served for 15 years on the community investment/allocations teams. She has shown outstanding dedication to the betterment of the community through a variety of projects, including the Perkins Street Area Action Group, the rebuilding of Lane Field, and the rehabilitation of Grace Park. Ms. Chambers retired from the U.S. Employment Service and the U.S. Postal service after 31 years. Now, she continues her trail of activism through her participation in the Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
Each year, the Young Leaders Society of UWSC recognizes an individual who is 40 or younger and embodies the spirit of philanthropy through charitable giving to United Way and also volunteer service to non-profit organizations in the area. This year’s Young Philanthropist of the Year Award was presented to Mark Krohn, who has taken on executive leadership roles for United Disability Services, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rotary Camp. His fundraising abilities and support for the Rotary Camp through the annual Chili Open helped to raise more than $1,000.000 over the past few years. Along with his wife Lori, Mark is a member of the Tocqueville Society.
The United Way of Summit County Annually honors a local company that exhibits exceptional and ongoing corporate community support with the Spirit of Caring Award. This year’s recipient is Myers Industries, Inc. The drive of this company shows to our community that they are dedicated to improving the life of Summit County. Myers Industries employees participate in Day of Action, the Corporate Volunteer Council, and annually hold some of the most entertaining and fun campaign events anywhere. From special guests like Indians mascot Slider, and Cavs mascot Moondog, to informative quizzes to test employees’ knowledge of Akron history, Myers is always looking for fun ways to promote the betterment of the community.
The Lorry Vishnia Staff Excellence Award is named after a United Way staff member whose work ethic and character were a shining example for all with whom she came in contact. After her death in February 2004, this award was established to honor a staff member who best exemplifies the attributes most admired in Lorry. The winner of the 2011 award is Brian Duchon. Brian is an energetic young leader who has not only strives to do his job very well , but he is also constantly on the lookout for ways to make United Way a better organization and make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. Two years ago, while working full-time and pursuing his Masters degree, Brian created the Student United Way chapter at the University of Akron. For three years, he led teams of college students from Summit County to devastated communities in the Gulf Coast region still struggling to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Recently, Brian has joined 25 other participants from around the world in the United Way’s Global Resident Fellows Program, just another way that he has displayed his motivational drive and talents as a young professional in the United Way.
United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.