May 27, 2020

With COVID-19 social distancing mandates, large events have been postponed or cancelled. Since many of these are much-needed fundraisers to support those in need, organizations are taking the virtual route – such as the Akron Community Foundation’s Women’s Endowment Fund virtual dinner – which replaced the endowment’s traditional, in-person “For Women, Forever” annual dinner. The dinner honored Sylvia Trundle, retired patrol captain for the Akron Police Department with the Judith A. Read Tribute Award for Service; and awarded grants to Summit County organizations that create development opportunities for women and young girls.

This year’s event – with a fundraising goal of $45,000 – was held on May 12 with more than 700 virtual attendees. Proceeds will support the Endowment’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Nonprofits. The response fund will rapidly provide flexible resources to area nonprofits working on the frontlines of educating, engaging and supporting individuals impacted by this health crisis, including women and girls.

In keeping with a dinner theme, Robert J. Events & Catering delivered three-course meals and Women’s Endowment Fund memorabilia to event attendees. The fund also donated 500 meals to essential workers of the Akron Area YMCA Pandemic Child Care Centers, Akron Fire Department, Akron METRO RTA and Akron Police Department.

The dinner raised a total of nearly $40,000. The FirstEnergy Foundation contributed $7,500 as a dinner sponsor and provided an additional one-time grant of $5,777 to help reach the overall goal of $45,000.

Ebony Yeboah-Amankwah, vice president, deputy general counsel, corporate secretary and chief ethics officer, served as a “SHEro Ambassador,” for the event, and Lorna Wisham, vice president, Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement, and president of the FirstEnergy Foundation was recently appointed to the Women’s Endowment Fund Board of Directors.​

“Participating virtually was a wonderful way to keep this important fundraiser going strong during COVID-19 restrictions. It was fun to see through social media posts how attendees were enjoying the evening,” said Lorna. “Most importantly, the money raised will help the Women’s Endowment Fund continue to provide assistance to women and girls in our communities who need it most.”

Lorna was part of the evening’s virtual program presentation.

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