The Christ Child Society of Akron received the final 2025-26 Akron Rotary Foundation grant on Tuesday, February 11^th.  There to accept the $2,500 for its Mary’s Kitchen project were President Gail Pfeiffer and Mary’s Kitchen Co-Chairs Michelle Hathorne and Anne Santin.

Funding will be used to pay for 25 bins to be assembled for children aging out of the foster system. Through a partnering relationship with Fostering Independence, Mary’s Kitchen provides glassware, mugs, utensils, measuring cups and dishwashing detergent.  All items are placed in reusable bins.

Call to Action:  Akron Rotarians will be assembling the bins on Thursday, May 7^th at 4:30 pm at the Beck Center, 2114 Lindbergh Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls.  Volunteers will spend an hour assembling the bins following a quick tour. 

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This grant was made possible through the Akron Rotary Foundation.  A total of $15,000 is given annually.

What a day! You know the kind—the kind where the community comes together in arctic temperatures to golf in the snow, all to raise money for a truly magical place where there are only abilities. ❄️⛳️❤️

Oh wait, there really is nothing else like it!

And when it’s over, you can’t help but sit back and think about everyone who made it happen—the Rotarians, sponsors, donors, raffle ticket buyers, volunteers, golfers, chili-contest eaters, and community partners. Not just today… but every single year for the past 35 years of the Akron Chili Open.

That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people are committed, they care about the children and families served by the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Because organizations step up. Because a community shows up—again and again—to support something bigger than themselves.

Grateful to be part of a region that proves, even in the coldest weather, just how warm its heart truly is. We were a little nervous heading into a weekend with threatening bitter cold temperatures. But we really shouldn't have been. There is a no better community for our camp and we thank you❤️ Wayne Homes, VanDevere Buick, Whitey's Booze N' Burgers, Akron Tractor & Equipment, Inc.

Sincerely, 

The Whole Chili Open Team! 

Click to  view photos from the October kick-off through the February 7th event  

John Reyes is an Ohio native having been born in Steubenville. He grew up in Stark County, graduating from Sandy Valley High School and completing his undergraduate work in political science and economics at The University of Akron. Thereafter, he attended and graduated from The Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1978. He practiced law in the fields of commercial litigation, products liability defense and public law with the law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs in Akron from May 1978 to October 2021.

John is married to Linda, a Cleveland native who retired as infection control officer for Fairview Hospital, a part of the Cleveland Clinic Group. They reside in West Akron and have four children and two grandsons.

John began his Rotary career in April 1994 with the Rotary Club of Akron and has served in various capacities, including Club President, a member of the Club’s Board of Directors and a member of the Akron Rotary Foundation Board of Directors.

In addition, John has had the pleasure of serving as District Governor in 2019-2020, Assistant Governor, a member of the District Finance Committee, a member of the District Grants Committee, the District Bylaws Committee, the District Nominating Committee, the District Youth Protection Committee, and was Chair of the District GSE Team in 2012.

John has been active in many community activities including serving on the Board of The Well CDC Inc., Walsh Jesuit High School, the St. Luke’s Lutheran Community Foundation, Stewart’s Caring Place, The Lawrence School, and also served as a member of Summit County Planning Commission, including chairing its Long Range Planning Subcommittee and its Rules Committee. John also serves on the Summit County Board of Building Appeals.

John is both honored and humbled to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 Jim Redmond Ambassador of Service Award. He looks forward to continuing to support the Rotary Camp and Rotary activities in District 6630.

Congratulations John and thank you for all you do for Rotary and the Akron Community!