Around Town: Stark Community Foundation names vice president

Stark Community Foundation has promoted Amy Krebs to vice president of grants and community initiatives. In her new role, she will continue to oversee the foundation’s competitive grantmaking, and assume responsibility for the foundation’s strategy, evaluation and research activities as well as provide oversight to our neighborhood revitalization work.

Krebs joined Stark Community Foundation in 2008 and has worked in various capacities. She most recently served as director of grants and community initiatives since 2013. 

“Amy has played an instrumental role in helping Stark Community Foundation grow from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges,” said Mark J. Samolczyk, president and CEO of Stark Community Foundation. “We’re looking forward to Amy’s continued leadership as we work together with our family of donors and community partners to drive positive outcomes for Stark County.”

Prior to joining the foundation, Krebs wrote and prepared local, state and federal grants for The Salvation Army in Akron as a communications and public relations specialist. 

A resident of North Canton, she is a graduate of the 27th class of Leadership Stark County, a member of Stark County Family Council and serves on the Recipient Approval and Evaluation Committee of the Homeless Continuum of Care of Stark County.

"I am inspired by the many organizations I’ve had the opportunity to learn about while at the Foundation, as well as those who work tirelessly to benefit the community,” said Krebs. “Charging us to help support these community efforts is our growing family of donors and I am honored to be part of a team that works hard to accomplish this goal.”

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The International Soap Box Derby announced it has received a $16,000 grant from the Kathleen Joyce Fund of Akron Community Foundation, a $5,000 grant from the John A. McAlonan Fund of Akron Community Foundation, a $2,000 grant from the Allio Memorial Fund of Akron Community Foundation, and a $2,000 grant from the Daniel l. and Sherida L. Pohl Fund of Akron Community Foundation to be used for general operating support.

These funds will help enhance the overall experience for racers, their families and spectators visiting Akron for the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in July and the many other events held throughout the year. This support will expand the Soap Box Derby’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programs and grow participation in Soap Box Derby programs around the country.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Akron Community Foundation,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive office, ISBD. “With COVID, our relationship with the Akron Community Foundation means a lot. We appreciate the continued support of the operational grant, which is crucial, especially in the current year.”

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Another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, the Halloween Charity Ball rebranded itself the Akron Charity Ball and takes place virtually from 8 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30.

The evening will feature musical performances by Roxxymoron, cash prizes for best costumes and raffles. This year's proceeds go to Limitless Ambition, which works with young women to overcome the issues that have discouraged them from pursuing long-term goals. The second recipient is Crafty Mart which supports local artists, makers and artisans. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.akroncharityball.org.

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Have you driven past the Stark County Court of Common Pleas at 101 W. Tuscarawas St.? If not, make an effort before Oct. 31. The courthouse will be lit in red to recognize the National Family Partnership’s Red Ribbon Campaign, taking place now through Oct. 31, also known as Red Ribbon Week.

“Prevention efforts need to be these near constant conversations and reminders that happen at home, at school, and in the community,” said John Aller, executive director of Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR). “Experimenting with substances at a young age has been associated with changes in brain chemistry that can lead to addiction later in life — so the sooner we talk to the kids in our lives about this, the better. In fact, open communication about the risks that come with substances is a leading indicator of youth making healthy choices. These conversations can start as early as age nine; if you’re not sure where to begin, there are talking points for any age on the StarkMHAR website,” he stated.

For information on the campaign or to find  ways to talk with your children, visit www.starkmhar.org/help/drugabusetalkingpoints.

Send tips about acts of kindness, anecdotes, honors or other items of interest to Necole Sims, Around Town, The Repository, 500 Market Ave. S, Canton OH 44702, necole.sims@cantonrep.com, or fax them to 330-454-5745.