Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
Grace Wallace Sullivan made plans through her estate to create a charitable fund that supports innovative programs for youth organizations— a fitting tribute to her career as an educator and passion for children.
Grace Wallace Sullivan Field of Interest Fund
Est. 2005 / Field of Interest Fund
Born in Akron, Ohio, Grace Wallace Sullivan graduated from McKinley High School in 1923 and later earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Akron. She dedicated her professional career to nurturing our community's youth, teaching for 25 years at South Market Elementary School in Canton. Upon her passing in 2004 at the age of 98, she made plans through her estate to create a charitable fund to support innovative programs for youth organizations—a fitting tribute to her passion for children.
Recently, Grace's fund helped bring the Akron Zoo to nearly 1,000 Stark County elementary students. Throughout the school year, younger students engaged with animal friends to develop classroom skills such as handling anxiety, embracing differences and building empathy. Meanwhile, older students took a hands-on approach by learning the daily tasks of four STEM-focused zoo careers: animal care, veterinary, horticulture and facilities/grounds. Fifth graders researched, designed and prototyped solutions for a real-world problem facing the Akron Zoo, all while receiving expert feedback from the Zoo's staff. These programs honored Grace's legacy by providing unique learning experiences, a cause she would have undoubtedly cherished as an educator.