Women's Endowment Fund to hold community forum

The Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation invites policymakers, opinion leaders, funders, donors and social service organizations to a community forum on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The event will feature discussions on the safety, health, and economic empowerment of women and girls throughout their lifespan. Discussions will be led by local subject experts, including Kent State University professor Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D.; Akron Police Capt. Sylvia Trundle; and certified elder law attorney Marta J. Williger.

This biannual forum is designed to encourage community dialogue on issues related to women and girls. Discussions will help shape the Women’s Endowment Fund’s future grant-making priorities.

“We encourage people to join us as we discover how the issues affecting women and girls change in each season of life,” said Sandy Auburn, event co-chair. “Our goal is to learn where our community’s greatest needs are, and then work together to solve them.”

The forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at the main branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Additional panel discussions will be held at the Akron Art Museum. The forum includes a complimentary boxed lunch, as well as fruit and coffee for breakfast. Validated parking will be offered in the library’s deck at the intersection of S. High and E. Market streets. Business casual dress is recommended.

Continuing education units are pending for this event. Tickets are $20 for general admission, or $50 to receive education credits. Tickets may be purchased online at www.akroncf.org/WEFforum.

Panel sponsors for the 2015 forum include Meaden & Moore and an anonymous donor.

About the Women’s Endowment Fund

The Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation was established in 1993 as a permanent endowment committed to encouraging the advancement of Summit County women and girls and their growth as philanthropists. To date, the fund has grown to nearly $3 million and awarded more than $750,000 in grants to improve the quality of life of women and girls. Contributions of any amount are welcome and can be made online at www.akroncf.org/give/WEF or mailed to Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, 345 W. Cedar St., Akron, OH 44307. For more information, call 330-376-8522 or visit www.akroncf.org/WEF.

About Akron Community Foundation

Celebrating 60 years of building community philanthropy, Akron Community Foundation embraces and enhances the work of charitable people who make a permanent commitment to the good of the community. In 1955, a $1 million bequest from the estate of Edwin Shaw established the community foundation. Today, it is a philanthropic endowment of more than $191 million with a growing family of nearly 500 funds established by charitable people and organizations from all walks of life. The community foundation and its funds welcome gifts of all kinds, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets, just to name a few. To date, the community foundation’s funds have awarded more than $124 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information about Akron Community Foundation or to learn more about creating your own charitable fund, call 330-376-8522 or visit www.akroncf.org.