Several local charities set late-summer events in and around Akron
Akron-area residents have multiple opportunities this late summer to support health, mental health and family services through a series of walks, dinners and fundraisers organized by local nonprofits.
Highlights include the Lifebanc Gift of Life Walk & Run on Aug. 23 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls and the Child Guidance & Family Solutions “Growing Up Akron” fundraising dinner on Aug. 27 at Himelright Lodge in Akron. Organizers say the events are designed to raise awareness and funds for transplant services, mental and behavioral health care for children and other community programs.
The Lifebanc event, which will bring together donor families, transplant recipients, health care professionals and supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation, features a 5K race, a 1-mile Family Fun Walk, live entertainment, family activities, food trucks and a T-shirt row. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the walk and run starting at 9 a.m. More information and sign-up details are available at lifebanc.org.
The “Growing Up Akron” evening, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at 1212 Cuyahoga St., will include music, magic, a picnic-style dinner, drinks and a silent auction. The Barberton Community Foundation is slated to receive the Friend of Children Award at the event. Proceeds will support the agency’s services for children, teens and families; sponsor opportunities and more information are listed at cgfs.org/growingupakron or by calling 330-384-2839.
Other regional events noted for late summer and early fall include community meals, jazz fundraisers and benefit nights that serve nonprofit programs across Summit and neighboring counties.
- Aug. 30 — The Largest Table in Kent: a community meal on East Erie Street near the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center; organizers supply tables and chairs while attendees bring food. Registration via Eventbrite.
- Sept. 17 — Speakeasy at The Onesto: a 1930s-inspired jazz fundraiser at The Historic Onesto in Canton benefiting the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s education programs; tickets available through cantonsymphony.org.
- Sept. 18 — Zane’s Inc. Fall Family Fundraiser & Casino Night at The Tangier in Fairlawn, benefitting families with special needs; tickets and details at zanesinc.org or by calling 330-677-9263.
- Sept. 19 — NAMIWalks Summit County, 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Stile Athletics Field House at the University of Akron, supporting mental health services and advocacy.
Below is a quick reference table for the Akron-area events listed by date, location and primary beneficiary.
| Date | Event | Location | Primary Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 23 | Lifebanc Gift of Life Walk & Run | Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls | Organ, eye and tissue donation awareness |
| Aug. 27 | Growing Up Akron (fundraiser) | Himelright Lodge, Akron | Child Guidance & Family Solutions programs |
| Aug. 30 | The Largest Table | East Erie Street, Kent | Community meal/participation |
| Sept. 17 | Speakeasy at The Onesto | The Historic Onesto, Canton | Canton Symphony Orchestra programs |
| Sept. 18 | Zane’s Inc. Fall Family Fundraiser & Casino Night | The Tangier, Fairlawn | Zane’s Inc. Family Support Fund |
| Sept. 19 | NAMIWalks Summit County | Stile Athletics Field House, University of Akron | Mental health advocacy and support |
Organizers say these events are meant not only to raise money but also to increase public awareness of services and supports available to area residents. Those interested in attending should consult the event websites listed above for registration details, ticket prices and volunteer opportunities.
As always with community events, schedules and details can change. Prospective attendees are advised to confirm times and locations with event organizers before traveling.
