Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
From a young age, Michael Buser learned the importance of giving back, a value deeply instilled by his father. This commitment to community service has since grown into a family tradition that spans generations.
One of Michael’s most vivid memories of service comes from the holidays as a 16 year-old where he and his sister, Christy, helped their father deliver food baskets to families in need. He recalls placing a large box —filled with everything for a Thanksgiving meal—on an elderly woman’s table. As he glanced around, he noticed a moldy loaf of bread sitting next to it. That moment hit him hard. “It wasn’t just a forgotten loaf of bread that had been sitting too long,” Michael reflected. “It was on her kitchen table, still being used.” This experience left a lasting mark on Michael, highlighting the true impact of their kindness.
When Michael and his wife, Jackie, began raising their daughter, Alexandra, they made it a priority to pass on their family’s tradition of giving. Together, they regularly discuss community needs, volunteer with local nonprofits and award grants through the Buser Family Foundation at Stark Community Foundation. Their focus on meeting the needs of children has led them to support several youth-centered programs, including those at Perry Local Schools in Perry, Ohio.
Perry Local Schools has a special place in their family’s hearts because of Michael’s father, Art. Though Art spent his career working for Fortune 500 companies, he dedicated his retirement to running The Perry Center, an area food bank. The school district’s service-learning program, which requires high school seniors to spend two hours a week volunteering with area nonprofits, allowed students to work closely with Art, developing a strong partnership with him and The Perry Center.
Over time, Art developed a deep understanding of hunger relief and community needs. Michael recalls having a powerful conversation with his father about food insecurity. They debated whether macaroni made with water cooked in a microwave was better for a child than the traditional stovetop version with butter and milk. Art’s practical approach changed Michael’s view: “My dad explained that macaroni made with water in a microwave was a better fit because they could make it on their own. It wasn’t about which method was better—it was about making sure the child wouldn’t go hungry.”
Allison Trentanelli, who teaches in the Perry Service Learning Program at Perry High School, worked alongside Art for many years. She fondly remembers his kindness and generosity, particularly how he helped launch their school’s Pirate Power Packs weekend food program to ensure students had meals between school days. “Art had a heart of gold,” she said. “It wasn’t uncommon for him to personally shop for students with specific food allergies to make sure they got what they needed.”
Art’s generosity extended beyond food. When he learned about a local boy experiencing homelessness and struggling with vision issues, Art didn’t hesitate to take him to the eye doctor and buy him a pair of glasses—no questions asked. “That’s just who Art was. He was incredible,” Allison shared.
When Art passed away in 2019, he left behind a legacy of service and compassion in the Perry community. To honor his memory, Perry Local Schools established the PSL Art Buser Memorial Scholarship, which annually supports college-bound students committed to community service.
Initially, the scholarship in Art’s name awarded $1,000 each year, but thanks to the continued support of Michael and Jackie, it has grown to $3,000. Remarkably, the Busers stay connected to the scholarship recipients through emails, phone calls and texts, even after they graduate.
Beyond the scholarship, the Busers have been instrumental in Perry’s annual NEO Youth Summit. Funded by the Buser Family Foundation, this annual event brings together high schoolers with a passion for service with educators and nonprofits. This past September, nearly 200 participants discussed meaningful opportunities to address systemic challenges in their communities.
“The Buser family doesn’t just write a check and walk away,” said Allison. “They are fully engaged in our programs and challenge us to find new ways to inspire and celebrate our students.”
Inspired by the Buser family’s dedication, students at Perry have found creative ways to secure donations for the Pirate Power Packs program. With help from local orchards and matched funds from the Busers, students have ensured the program is stocked with fresh fruit through the spring.
The Buser family’s commitment to education and youth extends beyond Perry. Their foundation has also supported initiatives at Plain Local Schools, where Alexandra now teaches sixth-grade math at Glenwood Intermediate School. They have funded gold and green daffodil beautification projects and other programs that empower students, such as Fierce Females, which inspires young girls to dream big while supporting each other.
They have also supported other youth-focused programs led by TomTod Ideas, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Career Apprenticeship and Mentorship Program, Inc. (C.A.M.P.) and Cavaliers Youth Foundation, among others.
As their family’s philanthropy continues to grow, the Busers have remained true to the values Art embodied—compassion, generosity and dedication to creating lasting change. And, with every act of kindness, every grant awarded and every student helped, one thing is certain: the Buser family’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.