Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
17 charitable funds were established through Stark Community Foundation from April 1 through September 30, 2024.
Organization Endowment Fund
C.A.M.P., Career Apprenticeship and Mentorship Program, established this endowment fund to provide college scholarship support to students in its program who exhibit a strong desire to succeed academically.
Community Charitable Fund
Donor Noble O. Carpenter established this fund both as a memorial to Ann L. Carpenter, who died in 1987, and as a permanent charitable commitment to his community. Mr. Carpenter, who retired as president of Central Trust Company, died in 2024.
Organization Endowment Fund
The Greater Stark County Urban League established an endowment fund to honor and memorialize long-time Urban League executive and passionate civil rights advocate Margaret "Joan" Gillespie. Joan devoted her time to advancing the vital programs of the Greater Stark County Urban League and her vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This fund ensures that Joan's belief in the power of community and equal opportunity is forever honored, securing permanent resources to uplift African Americans and the underserved and creating a lasting movement toward economic, social and health equity.
Donor Advised Fund
Karl Heege, a longtime local educator, and Maria Heege, a nonprofit executive, created a charitable fund to support the causes they care about throughout Stark County and beyond.
As part of their estate plans, community-minded couple Karl and Maria Heege established a charitable foundation to provide annual support to their favorite charities: United Way of Greater Stark County, Stark County Humane Society, ArtsinStark and The College of Wooster.
Donor Advised Fund
Ken Kerata created a family foundation to support the organizations and initiatives that he and his family are passionate about, both in Stark County and beyond. After his passing, the charitable foundation will be passed down to his children – Jennifer Doerschuk, Christine Evilsizer, John Kerata, Kelly Laughlin, Deborah Kerata and Kevin Kerata – to continue their family’s legacy of helping others.
Designated Fund
This fund honors the classmates of Perry High School's Class of 1974, especially Jim Lombardi, who exemplified what was best in the class as students and friends. The fund provides annual scholarship support to Perry seniors, allowing alumni to give back and help students who are following in the footsteps they once walked. The class's 50th reunion and remembrance of departed classmates inspired the establishment of the fund.
Designated Fund
Faith Meiser, a McKinley High School teacher who passed away in 2024, enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling and escorting group travelers for Fidelity Tours until her retirement in 2009. Through her estate plans, Faith established a charitable fund to provide perpetual support to the Hartville Area Community Charitable Trust Fund at Stark Community Foundation, a fund designed to invest in capital improvements and special projects in the Hartville area.
Designated Fund
John R. and Phyllis Milligan Charitable Fund identifies natural objects of benevolence including Young Life of Stark County, Christ Presbyterian Church and other local charities.
Organization Endowment Fund
This endowment fund provides ongoing support to assist the Plain Township Fire Department in protecting the lives, property and environment within the Plain Township community through quality service and educational initiatives. The Plain Township Fire Department uses the annual distribution of funds to help the firefighters with projects, scholarships and community needs. A generous community member provided the seed money to establish this fund.
Organization Endowment Fund
Established by Refuge of Hope in 2024, this endowment fund guarantees lasting support for Stark County residents facing homelessness, hunger or other effects of poverty. Income from the fund provides men, women and children with meals, shelter, clothing, healthcare and most importantly, HOPE for a better future.
Designated Fund
Janey and Tony Snyder established a charitable fund to further their family’s commitment to education and workforce development. With a shared belief in the power of education and healthcare, they recognize the vital role a well-trained and educated workforce plays in building stronger communities. Through their fund, they support a variety of nonprofits that offer opportunities for individuals to improve their lives and achieve their potential.
Scholarship Fund
Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary created a scholarship fund to award annual scholarships to Stark County students pursuing careers in the healthcare industry.
Designated Fund
This fund provides ongoing support to three scholarship funds at Walsh University.
Field of Interest Fund
Established by the Super Sabre Society in 2024, this endowment fund aims to support the history of military aviation, specifically preserving the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the courageous men who flew the aircraft.
Thank you to the following advisors— Ralph Dublikar from Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews, Jennifer Lile from Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty and Sara Studeny from Swallen, Lawhun & Co.— for referring their clients to achieve their charitable goals with a fund at Stark Community Foundation during the past two quarters.