Rebecca Silber
Annual Giving Officer
The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International Zones 30 & 31
Rebecca Silber serves as the Annual Giving Officer for Zones 30 and 31. She has over a decade of development experience and has worked as a fundraiser, volunteer manager and donor event planner for nonprofits large and small in both Chicago, Illinois and Gainesville, Florida where she attended The University of Florida. Rebecca cares deeply about connecting donors and volunteers to the causes they are most passionate about and feels a calling towards her fundraising work as a way to leave a positive impact on the world around her.
Working at The Rotary Foundation has fulfilled a career dream of working for an organization that is not only well respected but is also known the internationally for its commitment to making the world a better place through Service Above Self.
Rebecca feels strongly about building bridges between Rotarians and The Foundation so they can experience a deep sense of fulfilment and accomplishment through their generosity and service.
The Annual Meeting for the Rotary Club of Akron will be held December 1, 2020 at Noon via Zoom
In accordance with our club bylaws, an Annual Meeting of this club shall be held on the Tuesday preceding the regular December Board of Directors Meeting in each year but no later than December 31st of each year.
The purpose of the meeting is to elect the officers and directors to serve for the ensuing year, provide updates and reports from the Club and to discuss and vote upon resolutions as needed.
Per our Club bylaws, a quorum for this Club Annual Meeting is defined as 1/3 of our membership being present. So we would really appreciate your attendance.
We are currently accepting donations of toys and gift cards for our annual Holiday Party on December 20th. Like all of us, our campers’ and their families’ lives have been completely turned upside down this year. This year’s Holiday Party for Camp will most likely be a drive through event due to COVID-19 precautions but for many of our campers it is the only time they see Santa, so our goal is to make it as joyous as possible. Help us spread a little joy by purchasing a gift that Santa can share or a gift card for groceries.
Gift cards in any amount from major stores such as Target, WalMart, ACME, and Giant Eagle are also being accepted.
Gift cards and donations can be mailed or dropped off at Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., New Franklin, OH 44319. Questions? Call camp at 330.644.4512 or email Dan Reynolds at danr@akronymca.org.
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotary members and their families when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness and also to celebrate the joy of a new baby, job, marriage or other events in their lives. Please be sure to email me (click here) with any news you would like placed here. Note that information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
Well wishes, thoughts and prayers -
Patty Graves is still recuperating from her back surgery that took place several months ago. She is home and staying quarantined to remain safe during this difficult time.
Katherine Kohl, mother of Rotarian Doug Kohl, is having medical issues. Doug is staying by her side and advocating for her with the physicians and nurses. We hope she is better soon!
Leann Soika, mother of Rotarian Julie Brandle, had a knee replacement. She is home and being cared for Julie. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Congratulations -
Rotarian Lynda Farkas shared some wonderful news about her son Steven - she said "Happiness is having Steven so engaged with his work!🤗"
Steve Farkas, assistant dean in the University of Wyoming College of Business, is taking a new, additional role aimed at connecting the university with external partners in pursuit of projects to boost Wyoming’s economy.
Farkas has agreed to serve as assistant vice president for strategic partnerships in UW’s Office of Research and Economic Development. His service in this capacity will be in addition to his ongoing role in the College of Business, where he leads the college’s strategy and engagement initiatives.
“I am thrilled that Steve Farkas is joining our economic development team,” says Ed Synakowski, vice president for research and economic development. “He has a keen understanding of the necessity of effective partnership between different sectors of the Wyoming economy and of these sectors with the university. And, he has proven success in this domain. His service will be backed by extensive, successful leadership of his own in the Wyoming business world. It will be a privilege to support Steve as he levers his experience and ability to bring business interests and the university together for the betterment of the state’s economy.”
Christine began her official duties as CEO of OPEN M, on July 20, 2020. Prior to joining OPEN M, Curry served the Northeast Ohio Medical University as special assistant to the president and as stewardship and development program coordinator within the University’s Division of Advancement. She previously spent two years as a member of the City of Akron’s Mayor’s cabinet as director of communications, and more than 18 years at The University of Akron, in a variety of roles including director of development/stewardship and donor services, director of alumni relations and as a public relations representative.
She is a strong believer in giving back to her community and currently serves on the Akron Roundtable Board of Trustees, LeBron James Family Foundation - LAB Community Board and our Lady of the Elms Board of Trustees. Curry is a member of Leadership Akron - Class 24.
The Vision for OPEN M is to be a community leader in breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives, one person and one family at a time. Their Mission is “A Christian ministry, to provide pathways out of poverty for all by feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and strengthening the community.”
OPEN M (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry) was formed in 1968, at a time of poverty, crime, riots, and war. In Akron, longstanding neighborhoods were being destroyed, and white residents were fleeing to the suburbs. Into that chaos, four churches came together to establish an urban ministry in one of Akron’s hardest-hit neighborhoods. Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church and Main Street Methodist and began ministering to people via backyards and front porches. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Wooster Avenue Christian Church joined the effort, rounding out OPEN M’s original Covenant Churches.
OPEN M took the name Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry to reflect the place (Opportunity Park) where they minister, and the idea that the neighborhood itself was OPEN M’s parish. From the beginning, OPEN M has been open to all people, without regard to class, race, income or religious affiliation.
OPEN M continues to develop new and innovative programs to help people in the community become more self-sufficient. Today, more than 1,000 volunteers and many additional Covenant Churches and other supporting organizations help OPEN M continue growing, but their core purpose remains the same: Feed the Hungry,Care for the Sick, and Strengthen the Community.
Their core programs include:
Employment Services:
Employment Services offers various programs and educational opportunities to assist each participant in finding meaningful and lasting employment.
One Job, One Year
OPEN M’s mantra is ‘One Job. One Year.’ With their Employment Services team, supported by partner resources, they help participants reduce the barriers that keep them from lasting employment. Key elements of Employment Services include:
A job readiness and financial literacy workshop An emphasis on job retention A customized mentoring program Transportation assistance Relationships with core employers in the community
By training participants to succeed in the workplace, Employment Services also helps Summit County businesses, providing them with a dependable source of productive, reliable, entry-level workers.
FOOD SERVICES:
Hunger is one of the biggest issues facing our community today. Food on the table or in the fridge is something that most of us take for granted. For some, it can prove to be one of the largest hurdles to overcome yet is still one of the most important. Open M’s Food programs help individuals feed their family with emergency food assistance, hot lunches, and monthly food giveaways.
HEALTH SERVICES:
Health Services offers a Free Dental Clinic, Pharmacy and Medical Clinic that provides primary healthcare, with a range of specialties, to those without insurance.
OPEN M established a nursing clinic in 1979, in response to the serious lack of available health services for the poor and working poor. In 1995, OPEN M transformed their nursing clinic into the Free Medical Clinic, significantly expanding services. Initially, the clinic operated out of six different locations, but in 1999, they consolidated their programs into a single 22,000 square foot facility, further increasing the programs offered. In 2006, OPEN M added more space by expanding their clinic to include a full-service pharmacy, along with additional offices for medical personnel. In 2012, they began to transition the focus of healthcare services, moving away from crisis intervention and toward prevention.
OPEN M Challenges:
The COVID pandemic has created multiple challenges for OPEN M. These challenges include an increase in demand for all services, a drop in volunteers who are often older individuals who have a higher risk of getting infected with COVID 19 and are hesitant to continue to volunteer at this time, and an increase in expenses related to creating a safe environment for their staff, volunteers and individuals needing their various services.
NOVEMBER MOUNTAIN OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION
In partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, OPEN M will host three Mountain of Food distributions throughout the months of November and December. The direct distributions will take place on Nov. 20, from 9 - 11 a.m., Nov. 24 from 2 - 4 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 9 - 11 a.m. The extra November Mountain of Food will take the place of the Thanksgiving Eve meal held at OPEN M in years past. This program provides mainly perishable foods such as, bread, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and more. Due to the unprecedented need throughout Northeast Ohio, the Mountain of Food program has been extended beyond Summit County to residents of all counties with no referral required. Guests are served on a first-come-first-serve basis and asked to stay in their cars at all times while practicing current social distancing guidelines. In a typical year, more than 80 tons of food move through OPEN M’s doors and out into the community through a culmination of food programs. As unemployment continues to rise, along with food insecurity, OPEN M anticipates serving a record number of people in 2020. The Mountain of Food program is one of four programs provided by OPEN M to alleviate hunger in our community. For more information on OPEN M food programs, please call 330-434-0110 or visit www.openm.org/food-programs. OPEN M is actively seeking volunteers to assist with the Mountain of Food program. To volunteer, please email volunteer@openm.org or call 330-434-0110 to speak with Development Manager, Jess Rist.
Wanting More Information:
Rotarians wishing to know more about OPEN M, the number of individuals served in each program and other information about OPEN M are encouraged to check out their website: https://openm.org/
Although the Chili Open will look different from previous years due the impact of COVID-19, and whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, your gift will make a significant impact allowing us to continue to serve the vulnerable youth in our community.
The annual fundraiser represents 30% of operating costs to the Rotary Camp's annual budget. This ensures that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to pay. We are extremely thankful to our Chili Open Presenting Sponsor, Wayne Homes for their continued commitment to the camp.
Deadline to buy your raffle tickets has been extended until Monday, November 23rd at 5pm!
The drawing will be Tuesday, November 24th.
Saturday, October 24th, was “WORLD POLIO DAY”. To support The Rotary International Foundation “End Polio Now” we are having a raffle for two tickets, including Terrace Club, to the “End Polio Now” Indians game on July 22, 2021 against Tampa Bay.
Raffle tickets are $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20
I am so thrilled to see so many out and taking advantage of our Socially Distant but Together #AkronRotaryHikes Social time!
Remember to use the hashtag when you post to Social media and send me a picture of your completed form to be entered to win a Fall Goodies Basket I am putting together.
Fellow Rotarians, it's that time again! Help Akron Rotary Camp earn $ to send kids to Camp! Save your ACME receipts from August 6 to December 26 to earn some Community Cash Back on ACME Fresh Market Store Brands. Receipts can be mailed or dropped off to Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319. As always, thank you for your support!
Do you shop on Amazon? If yes, AmazonSmile is an easy way to support Rotary Camp with every purchase. Just takes a few minutes to set up.
At no cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases
If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs Inc to start generating donations.
AmazonSmile customers can now support Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs Inc in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones. Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, you will need to update your mobile app. Click here for instructions.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Mella Castner, director of development at Rotary Camp (330) 644-4512.
Your health and safety is important to us.
Our thoughts are with all of you and our sincere appreciation goes out to every individual working to help keep us safe and healthy.
The idea that Rotary should own its headquarters dates back at least to the 1920 convention, when RI President Albert Adams said that he hoped to someday see the headquarters in a beautiful building of Rotary’s own.
Steve Farkas, assistant dean in the University of Wyoming College of Business, is taking a new, additional role aimed at connecting the university with external partners in pursuit of projects to boost Wyoming’s economy.
She is a strong believer in giving back to her community and currently serves on the Akron Roundtable Board of Trustees, LeBron James Family Foundation - LAB Community Board and our Lady of the Elms Board of Trustees. Curry is a member of Leadership Akron - Class 24. 
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