Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
Photo from October 1973 - Following the sale of their family’s business, Albert Flowers (left) talks with Chester Chassin (middle), new owner of Flowers Welding & Machine Co., and Edith Flowers' brother, Elmer Flowers (right), who served as a weld shop foreman.
The Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers Charitable Foundation recently transitioned from a private non-operating foundation to the Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers Foundation, a charitable fund now managed by Stark Community Foundation.
While the tax classification and name of the private foundation have slightly changed — its charitable focus remains the same. The Flowers Foundation remains dedicated to upholding the legacy of Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers by continuing to support charitable causes benefiting the Stark County community and its residents.
Albert Flowers, the former owner and president of Flowers Welding & Machine Co. in Canton, along with his wife Edith, actively supported local initiatives throughout their lives. They were involved in various organizations such as the William McKinley Lodge 431 F&AM, Nazir Grotto, Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, Canton Kiwanis Club and Congress Lake Club. Notably, Albert maintained perfect attendance for 39 years as a member of the Canton Kiwanis Club.
The Flowers initially established the Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers Charitable Foundation in 1968 as a private foundation to deepen their local philanthropy.
Since Edith's passing in 1972 and Albert's in 1974, their generosity has provided more than $5 million in vital support to charitable causes within Stark County and beyond.
While considering a succession plan, the trustees of the Flowers Foundation determined that transitioning to a charitable fund at Stark Community Foundation was the best option. Partnering with Stark Community Foundation offers numerous advantages, including sustained philanthropic impact, streamlined operations, an effective due diligence process and, most importantly, the assurance of preserving the Flowers' legacy and their commitment to the Stark County community.
Bridgette L. Neisel, vice president of advancement at Stark Community Foundation, worked alongside the trustees to ensure a seamless transition in preserving the Flowers' legacy and wishes.
"The Flowers Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of nonprofits for more than 50 years," shared Bridgette. "We are honored by the trust the Flowers Foundation trustees have placed in Stark Community Foundation and feel privileged to continue the legacy of Albert and Edith."
The previous Distribution Committee will continue to review all grant proposals to the Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers Foundation to ensure support reaches those in need.
The Albert W. and Edith V. Flowers Foundation is now one of 950 charitable funds that make up Stark Community Foundation and its more than $400 million in assets. Through strategic and diverse investing, the foundation will continue to grow over time, allowing the Flowers' philanthropic legacy to benefit the community forever.
To learn more, reach out to Bridgette at bneisel@starkcf.org or 330-454-7992.