New Funds Added to Our Family Tree - Spring 2023

24 charitable funds were established through Stark Community Foundation from October 1 through December 31, 2022. 

Anonymous Fund

Subfunds (3)

Bellissimo Family Charitable Fund
Kim and Jonathan Bellissimo created a charitable fund to facilitate their family’s philanthropy. Their fund will eventually be passed down to their daughters to continue supporting causes that are important to their family.

John Bogniard Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Ohio Automobile Club (OAC) established this scholarship fund to pay tribute to John Bogniard’s nearly 30 years of service to OAC and to memorialize his legacy of helping others. John, a law partner with Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty, served on OAC’s Board of Directors for 27 years, serving as chairman from 2000-2002 and again from 2012-2014. This scholarship, which is awarded annually, helps finance a college education for students who embody John’s memorable attributes. These students consistently put forth their best effort in academics and community and display a kind and positive influence by being service minded and considerate of the welfare of others. Special consideration will be given to those employed by AAA in the state of Ohio and to their children and grandchildren.

Nancy and Todd Bundy Charitable Fund
Nancy, a community trustee, and Todd, a local attorney, created a charitable fund to provide support for organizations that are meaningful to them. Their fund will eventually be passed down to their children, Suzanne and Rachel, to continue their family’s passion for giving back to the community.

Agnes Elizabeth Dougherty Memorial Fund
Named in memory of his mother, Ron Dougherty established a charitable fund to continue Agnes’ legacy and honor her appreciation for Christ Presbyterian Church and Camp Wakonda. Each year, this fund supports Camp Wakonda, a nondenominational summer camp for children of all ages and retreat center located 30 miles southeast of Canton, Ohio.

Tom and Rhonda Drakulich Family Fund
Tom and Rhonda Drakulich, founders of Apex Control Systems, established a charitable fund to support causes that are meaningful to their family. Their fund will eventually be passed down to their children – Emily, Joseph and Adam – to continue their commitment to helping others.

Fuller Family Foundation
Richard, an ophthalmologist, and Patricia, an educator, established a family foundation to facilitate their charitable giving in the Stark County community and beyond. Their foundation will eventually be passed down to their children, Scott and Susan, to continue their family’s legacy of helping others.

Robert and Nancy Gessner Charitable Fund
Community stewards Robert “Bob” and Nancy Gessner established a charitable fund to help nonprofits advance their missions and create a lasting impact. The Gessners are strong supporters of Massillon, a community in which they spent their professional careers leading Bob’s family-owned telecommunications company MCTV and raising a family. Their fund will eventually be passed down to their children, Katherine and Suzanne, to continue their family’s tradition of giving back to others.

Henry and Lea Charitable Fund

Annette and Michael McCann Charitable Fund
Annette and Michael McCann, founders of McCann Plastics, created a charitable fund to support causes in the community. Their fund will eventually be passed down to their children – Michelle, Michael and Maria – to continue their family’s legacy of making a difference.

J.B. McClain Family Foundation
Healthcare professionals Jennifer and Brian McClain established a family foundation to regularly support organizations they care about in Stark County and beyond. Their foundation will eventually be passed down to their children to continue their family’s caring spirit.

Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum Endowment Fund
This endowment fund was established to provide a consistent stream of income to meet the ongoing and future needs of Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum. The fund also ensures FFA Camp Muskingum’s educational experiences in conservation, personal development, leadership training and recreational opportunities for agriculture students and others continue in perpetuity.

Iris R. Rybolt Charitable Fund

Robert M. Rybolt Charitable Fund

Nancy Rymal Scholarship Fund
The Nancy Rymal Scholarship Fund was created by Pat Fuller in loving memory of her cousin, Nancy Rymal. Each year, scholarships are awarded in Nancy’s name to help Malone University students who need financial support.

William R. Schellhase and Mary Jane Schellhase Philanthropic Fund

James C. Sorenson Charitable Fund
Stark County native and private investor, Jim Sorenson, established an advised fund to promote local and non-local charities, including educational institutions, service organizations, the arts and his church. The fund will eventually become part of Stark Community Foundation’s Community Charitable Fund and support the community’s emerging needs.

Stark Carroll District Nurses Association Scholarship Fund
Originally established in 1919, the Stark Carroll District Nurses Association was the first nursing organization in the state to recognize and advocate for professional nurses and nursing in Ohio. Due to changes in the current healthcare environment, the Stark Carroll District Nurses Association dissolved in 2022 and established a charitable fund to continue its legacy of advancing the nursing profession and impacting local healthcare. Each year, the fund provides scholarship support to outstanding seniors pursuing degrees in nursing at Kent State University at Stark, Malone University, University of Mount Union and Walsh University.

Stark County Minority Business Association Endowment Fund
This endowment fund was created to ensure a steady source of annual income would always be available to the Stark County Minority Business Association to help minority business owners in Stark County grow and thrive.

Dr. Dean and Ruth Varian Charitable Fund 
Local retired emergency physician Dr. Dean Varian and his wife, Ruth, created a charitable fund to support their heart for Christian missions and land conservation. Their fund will eventually provide permanent support to organizations important to their family: Agape Flights, The Salvation Army of Canton and The Wilderness Center.

William and Joyce Family Philanthropic Fund 
William and Joyce Robertson created a charitable fund to support causes in Carroll County and beyond. They will eventually pass down their fund to their children – Paul, Ian and Mark – to carry on their family’s passion for improving the community.