As quiet as it’s kept, the Women’s Board of the William P. Kannel Juvenile Court Center has had the important mission of serving the youth and staff at the Summit County Juvenile Court for 50 years and counting.
For them, it really is a labor of love.
On April 25, the board will host its 30th annual spring fundraiser — luncheon, style show, silent auction, bake sale and flower sale — at Guy’s Party Centre, 500 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. Doors open at 11 a.m. followed by the noon luncheon.
Funds raised provide assistance for reading, tutoring and educational programs as well as support for individual youth in need of clothing, educational materials, sports equipment and more, said Barb Jones, fundraiser chairperson. The show will feature fashions from Coldwater Creek at Summit Mall.
“Many of the plants that will be in the sale have been raised by youth in detention, a program sponsored by the Women’s Board,” Jones added.
Cost to attend the luncheon (chicken Marsala or pasta Florentine with salad, vegetables, dessert, beverages) is $18. Deadline is April 21. For reservations, please contact Jones at brjones7075@gmail.com or 330-338-1164, or Barb Mattern at 330-633-7968.
Smoothie fundraiser
Today all 10 Robeks smoothie and juice stores in the Cleveland, Akron and Canton areas will give a free smoothie to anyone who comes in between 2 and 4 p.m. and makes a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which makes dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses.
“Helping families has always been central to our mission, and we’re pleased to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to offer free smoothies to customers who also lend a hand,” said media representative Deb Samson.
Raising the Roof
Medina Creative Housing, whose mission is to develop and manage affordable housing and services for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, is hosting a “Raising the Roof” dinner, desserts and entertainment benefit Saturday at Weymouth Country Club, 3946 Weymouth Road, Medina. A VIP reception, including wine and beer tasting for sponsorships $500 and up, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the main event 6 to 11 p.m.
Theme for this year’s benefit is Get Your Kicks on Route 66 with ’50s music performed by Keith Jones and The Makeshifts, regional food and drinks found along Route 66, a skit by Medina Creative Housing residents, themed games and prizes, and live and silent auctions. A “Ms. Mother Road” and a “Mr. Route 66” will be crowned.
For more information on this fun event or to purchase tickets at $100, please call 330-591-4434.
Nominees sought
Nominations for the 2013 Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year award are being sought by the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Summit County; deadline is April 26.
The prestigious award will be presented at the organization’s “Power of the Purse” luncheon June 27.
Nominees should be women who have demonstrated a passionate desire, as did the late Mathews (educator, business leader and philanthropist) to help others through financial support and service to nonprofit organizations and institutions, including an annual gift to United Way, within Summit County. They need to be residents of or employed within Summit County.
Nominations are open at www.uwsummit.org, or send to 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, OH 44304.
Past winners include Carol Yassine, Laura B. Culp, Susan Summerville, Elizabeth Z. Bartz, Judith A. Read, Vanita Oelschlager, Katherine M. Hunter, Judge Linda Teodosio and Dianne Newman.
Questions about the Women’s Leadership Council or the Power of the Purse? Please contact Beth Boggins, senior director of major gifts, United Way of Summit County, at 330-643-5519 or bboggins@uwsummit.org.
The council’s goal is to encourage, educate and energize women in philanthropy to make a difference in the community.
“Because of the active, ongoing nature of the award and its intent, candidates nominated posthumously will not be considered,” said United Way spokesman Michael G. Gaffney.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.