U.S. Postage Helping every child reach their full potential

Photo taken prior to March 2020.

serving children through philanthropy

Volume 1 2021

8 Land of opportunity

Tom Dillon donates $2.7 million commercial property to benefit Akron Children’s

4 Making room to grow

Lenny Fisher donates $1 million to support Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion

Lenny Fisher

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aprilApril 1 - 30 IHOP Campaign Participating IHOP locations

April 7 World Health Day presented by The Emerging Leaders Board 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Follow along on social media - @ACHEmergingLeaders

April 10 Cavathon – Walsh University’s Dance Marathon events.dancemarathon.com/ event/cavathon2021

April 24 Blankets for Babies noon - 1 p.m. Ohio Motorcycle Group

April 29 - May 1 Speedway Round-Up Weekend Participating Speedway locations

mayMay 1 - 31 Costco Campaign Boston Heights location

May 5 - June 1 Circle K Campaign Participating Circle K locations

May 8 St. Vincent – St. Mary High School Dance Marathon events.dancemarathon.com/ event/stvm21

May 27 - 29 Speedway Memorial Day Campaign Participating Speedway locations

juneJune 1 - July 22 Dairy Queen Miracle Balloon Campaign Participating Dairy Queen locations

June 5 Luke’s Warriors 5K and Family Fun Run 9 a.m. Goodyear Heights Metro Parklukeswarriorsinc.com

June 7 - 11 Piano-a-thon giving.akronchildrens.org/piano-a-thon

June 12 Clubfoot Unity Walk 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Copley Community Park giving.akronchildrens.org/ clubfootsupport

June 13 ParTee for a Purpose 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Top Golf Cleveland To register, email [email protected]

June 28 - July 25 Walmart Campaign Participating Walmart locations

calendar of events

Helping every child reach their full potentialGOJO Industries makes gift to support health equity in northeast Ohio

As a Purpose-driven Family Enterprise, Akron-based GOJO Industries believes in the power of health care and taking care of others.

“Everything we do is in pursuit of our GOJO Purpose, Saving Lives and Making Life Better Through Well-Being Solutions,” said Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, executive chair of GOJO. “We consider ourselves successful as a business when we create not only economic value for all of our stakeholders, but also when we create social and environmental value out in the world. We do this with the solutions we bring to market, as well as through corporate philanthropy.”

As a longtime philanthropic partner of GOJO, Akron Children’s Hospital has experienced the impact of this philosophy – and generosity – firsthand. Now, through a recent gift, GOJO is helping to ensure that our patients have an equal opportunity to have healthy lives and pursue brighter futures.

Bringing health equity to the forefront

GOJO made a $100,000 gift to support initiatives that address health equity and the socioeconomic factors that impact patients’ health. From access to medical care to food security and more, these “social determinants of health” all fit together to help children grow up healthy and strong. They also play a significant role in long-term physical and mental health.

“It’s an increasingly important concept in health care,” said Steven Spalding, MD, vice president of population health, director of the division of rheumatology and pediatric rheumatologist at Akron Children’s. “We realized we needed to focus on areas outside our health system to make sure that children’s health outcomes are equitable across the board. Our executive leadership made this an organizational priority, because it directly impacts the health and well-being of our kids.”

Dr. Spalding and his team are collaborating with community-based agencies like the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to find ways for families to consistently access or afford enough food. They’re also partnering with community health workers on care coordination, among other initiatives. With a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, GOJO feels a deep responsibility to address health inequity amongst disadvantaged members of our community.

“We believe that all people have the right to quality health care,” said Marcella. “The program’s vision of maximizing the potential of children and families in the region was captivating to us. As reflected in our deeply-held values, GOJO sees potential in every person and wants to uphold their dignity and help them grow.”

Marcella explained that the company appreciated Akron Children’s organizational commitment to the program, as well as the fact that we will measure data and outcomes to see improvements and ensure inequity in the community is reduced.

“Northeast Ohio is fortunate to have Akron Children’s leading advancements in care,” said Marcella. “The hospital improves the health of children through outstanding quality, education, service and research. We’re science-based, too, and engage in research and educating the world about the importance of public health and hygiene practices. There’s a mutual respect between our organizations. To partner with a science-based health care leader is something we’re very proud of.”

Be an advocate for world-class care

If you are interested in joining Akron Children’s as a corporate partner, please contact Machelle Syx, director of corporate alliance and special events, at [email protected] or 330-543-0137 to learn about your giving opportunities.

Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, executive chair of GOJO

Visit akronchildrens.org/events for the most up-to-date calendar listings. For more information about these events or how you can become a special event coordinator, contact: Akron: 330-543-8340 / Mahoning Valley: 330-746-GIVE

foun

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ors Officers

ChairmanBrian C. WagnerPresidentCCG Automation, Inc.

Past ChairmanPaul M. Dutton

PresidentGrace K. Wakulchik President, CEOAkron Children’s Hospital

TreasurerSpencer A. Kowal Chief Financial OfficerAkron Children’s Hospital

Vice Chairman & SecretaryMark W. OelschlagerPresident, CIO and Co-Founder Oelschlager Investments

Executive DirectorMichele (Shelly) E. BrownVice President, DevelopmentExecutive Director, Foundation

DirectorsLouis (Lou) M. AltmanManaging PartnerAltman Company

Harriet E. Berloff President Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital

Kyle T. Cheney PartnerFinance Transformation Deloitte & Touche LLP

Timothy B. Clepper President Kaulig Capital

Bruce H. Cohen, MD Director of Neurology Akron Children’s Hospital

John P. Crow, MD Chairman, Department of Surgery Akron Children’s Hospital

Mrs. Elise Cuddy President, Emerging Leaders of Akron Children’s Hospital Business and Incentive Travel Manager Signet Jewelers

Gary J. Didado Owner and President J.W. Didado Electric, Inc.

Paul M. Dutton, EsqAttorney and Partner Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd.

Bennett L. Gaines SVP Corp Services and CIO FirstEnergy Corporation

Tammy A. Gersman President The Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital

Arthur J. Gonzales Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (Retired) National Interstate Insurance Company

Kevin J. Helmick President and CEO Farmers National Bank

Carter P. Lewis Owner and CEO Lewis Development Corp.

Shefali Mahesh, MDDirector of Nephrology & DialysisVP, Medical Staff Akron Children’s Hospital

Marci M. Matthews FounderGrace Initiative Foundation Tree LLCChairDistribution Committee of the Cynthia Parker Family Foundation

John F. Mayer Vice President, Sales and Grocery Market (Retired) J.M. Smucker Company

Diana L. McCool President D’s Desert Properties LLC

Gregory A. McDermottAdvisorKohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC

John C. OrrPresident and CEO (Retired) Myers Industries

William (Bill) A. ScalaChairman and PresidentKenmore Construction Co., Inc.

C. Reid Schmutz FounderCharles & Alice Schmutz Foundation

William F. Schumacher, III Senior Vice President and Market Leader Westfield Bank

Amy R. Sheehy VP, InnovationSignet Jewelers

Paul N. Thomarios PresidentThomarios

Ellen J. TresselCommunity Philanthropist

William (Bill) C. Waldman, Sr. Owner and President (Retired) Meldrum-Fewsmith Advertising

Directors EmeritusWilliam (Bill) H. ConsidineHonorary Director Akron Children’s Hospital

Akron Children’s Hospital embraces a philosophy of family-centered care. We believe that every child has the right to world-class medical care, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Member, Children’s Hospital Association (CHA)

Member, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

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Akron Children’s Hospital realizes that individuals enjoy learning more about our services, programs and developments. We also fully respect the privacy of our patients. If you do not wish to receive fundraising materials from Akron Children’s Hospital, you may make the request by sending an email to [email protected]. We will use our best efforts to honor such a request.

President, CEO Grace Wakulchik

Vice President of Development Shelly Brown

Editors Alissa Hazlett Kathryn Mahon

Contributing Writers Desidara Alissa Hazlett Jim Houck Kathryn Mahon

Contributing Photographers Ted Stevens Tiffany Swift

Graphic Design Desidara

Printing Star Printing Co. Inc.

AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG/GIVING 12

A lasting legacyCouple uses will to honor son’s memory and continue tradition of helping others

For nearly two decades, Akron Children’s Hospital has held a special place in the lives of Jeff and Jessie Hull. Now, by including Akron Children’s in their will, the couple from western Pennsylvania is helping to ensure that our hospital remains a special place of hope and healing for children with kidney disease and their families.

In 2004, the couple’s then 14-year-old son, Christopher, was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called MPGN and started receiving treatment at our hospital.

“From the first time Christopher went to Akron Children’s, they never made us feel he was just another patient or that we were just another set of parents,” said Jeff. “They were always kind, caring and willing to take whatever time was necessary for him and to answer our questions.”

Christopher and his family became close with his physicians and nurses in our nephrology department. Even after he transitioned to adult care in 2011, Jeff and Jessie would still reach out to their Akron Children’s team with questions.

“We went to a lot of different hospitals over time,” said Jeff. “No other system made us feel as comfortable as we did at Akron Children’s. The staff was kind and compassionate, and the quality of care was outstanding.”

Sadly, Christopher passed away in 2016. Family and friends joined Jeff and Jessie in establishing the Christopher Hull Memorial Kidney Fund at Akron Children’s Hospital in his memory. The fund provides

financial support for families of children with kidney disease as they deal with expenses not covered by insurance – like transportation, temporary housing, parking and groceries. It also helps fund patient and family support groups, staff and patient education, research and special equipment purchases.

When it came time for Jeff and Jessie to make some updates to their will, including the fund and Akron Children’s seemed like a natural thing to do.

“It really is an easy process,” said Jessie. “You simply contact whomever prepares your legal documents and ask them to add in the verbiage for your gift.”

The couple appreciates that their gift will help sustain the fund for years to come while giving their family, particularly their daughters, comfort knowing that Christopher’s memory will live on.

“This is something that will outlive us and help a lot of children and families,” said Jessie. “If the fund can continue to take part of those burdens away for families, they can just focus on their child as much as they can.”

“We know that they will put this money to good use and continue to do good work,” said Jeff. “It’s just a simple, easy way to leave a lasting legacy for a great organization.”

Jeff and Jessie Hull and Shefali Mahesh, MD, medical staff vice president, director of the division of pediatric nephrology and pediatric nephrologist at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Leave your legacy

Help ensure Akron Children’s Hospital continues our mission for years to come by including our hospital in your will or living trust. Contact Maureen Katanic, senior director of planned giving, at 330-543-8343 or [email protected] to learn about the different options for including Akron Children’s in your will or estate plan.

Charitable giving through your estate plan Anne Frank once said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” While there is much wisdom in this adage, people can still be hesitant to give during their lifetime – often because of uncertainty about their own future needs.

Some may feel inclined to make charitable contributions, but are uncertain how best to do so. Others are concerned about preserving their assets during their lifetime while still planning to leave a legacy.

One way to achieve both security during your lifetime as well as give to others in the future is to include charitable trusts and/or bequests as part of your estate plan. This allows you to support the causes that matter most to you, while allowing you to retain flexibility and control of your assets.

There are several ways to accomplish charitable giving as part of your estate plan. Creating and funding a charitable remainder trust during your lifetime allows you to retain a stream of income and then provide for a charity upon your death. Alternatively, you can name a charity as a beneficiary in your will or living trust.

You can also designate a charity as beneficiary of your IRA or retirement plan, life insurance policies, bank accounts or investment accounts. Beneficiary designations are easy to change, typically with a simple form provided by your financial institution. And these estate planning options may also afford some tax planning advantages.

Tracie L. Schmidt, Esq.Friedman & Rummell, Co. L.P.A.

If you are considering making a planned contribution as part of your estate plan, the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation can help. Contact Maureen Katanic, senior director for planned giving, at 330-543-8343 or [email protected] to learn more about your gift and estate planning options.


content04 Making room to grow

06 Leaders of impact and change

07 98.1 KDD Radiothon delivers hope through the airwaves


10 A gift of gratitude

11 Helping every child reach their full potential

12 A lasting legacy

13 Charitable giving through your estate plan

4Making room to grow Lenny Fisher donates $1 million to support Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion

features

Land of opportunityTom Dillon donates $2.7 million commercial property to benefit Akron Children’s

8

4 CHILDREN’S PROGRESS | FALL 20184 CHILDREN’S PROGRESS | VOLUME 1 2021

Making room to growLenny Fisher donates $1 million to support Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion

To turn no child away for any reason.

It’s one of Akron Children’s Hospital’s three core promises. And for donor Leonard “Lenny” Fisher, it’s a promise that hits close to home.

“From a very young age, I watched my parents and the way they treated people,” said Lenny. “My mother would never turn anybody away who needed help, and my father was the same way. They instilled that in me, and I want to share what I have. And I’ll keep on sharing. Because there’s nothing more important than helping others.”

Now, through a $1 million gift to support the $25 million expansion of our Mahoning Valley’s Emergency Department (ED), Lenny is continuing his generous tradition of giving back.

The Chairman of the Board of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a longtime supporter of Akron Children’s. He’s contributed to the Vision for our Valley’s Children Campaign Fund, the Pediatric Cardiology Fund and the Mahoning Valley Fund, to name a few. Along with Jim Brown, COO of Handel’s,

he helped launch the Koins for Kids Campaign in 2008, which challenges schools in Trumbull and Mahoning counties to raise awareness and funds for Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. This program, along with several other fundraisers, has resulted in half a million dollars of support to our hospital’s efforts in the region.

While Lenny credits his parents for teaching him the importance of helping others, it was his experience with his son, Joshua, at Akron Children’s predecessor in the region that drove him to be a supporter of children’s health care in the Mahoning Valley.

“When Joshua was born in 1982, he was rushed in for an emergency operation at Tod Children’s Hospital,” said Lenny. “He had a condition called gastroschisis, which means his intestines were outside his stomach. He survived the surgery without a hitch. But without a children’s hospital, my son wouldn’t be here today. That’s how I got involved in supporting children’s health care, and I appreciate that Akron Children’s is in our area.”

The generosity of longtime Akron Children’s Hospital donor Leonard “Lenny” Fisher will greatly support the $25 million expansion of Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department.

AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG/GIVING 5AKRONCHILDRENS.ORG/GIVING 5

Fulfilling an urgent need

For Lenny, the idea of community lies at the forefront of the expansion project – and his gift.

“We are extremely fortunate to have wonderful and compassionate providers like Akron Children’s in the Mahoning Valley,” he said. “It’s amazing the care and attention the children in the Valley can receive without traveling to Akron.”

During a recent tour of our Mahoning Valley ED, one thing became very clear to him – the facility needed an upgrade.

“Every bit of space – from the hallways to the rooms – was utilized to the point where immediate growth was needed,” he said. “It was very tight. But it was amazing to me how the staff was able to keep up the case demand on a daily basis. The way the facility is run and the way they deliver expert care to these kids really impressed me.”

Currently, the ED can accommodate up to 80 patient visits per day. In the past, we’ve experienced up to 180 patient visits per day. In addition, with a growing need for behavioral health care, more space is needed to appropriately care for these patients.

“As the only pediatric hospital to serve the Mahoning Valley, Akron Children’s is the main point of emergency pediatric care for families in the region,” said Scott Beichner, DO, FAAP, FACOP, medical director of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. “This expansion will help us deliver prompt and appropriate access to pediatric emergency medical care for all children regardless of income level, type of insurance or health status.”

With donor support, the ED will more than triple in size – increasing from 8,300 square feet to 30,800. The number of patient rooms will be expanded. And more clinical support spaces will be added, too, including rooms specially designed for patients facing emotional and behavioral emergencies. The patient and family experience also will be a focal point – with expanded parking, a new family-friendly entrance, waiting areas and family restrooms, and additional registration and triage capacity designed for privacy.

“The emergency department’s new, enlarged footprint will enhance the patient and family experience by improving access to resources our staff needs to deliver high-quality care,” said Mary Costello, MD, site director of Mahoning Valley emergency services and pediatric emergency medicine physician.

Putting community first

“Our expanded ED is a major investment in the Mahoning Valley community,” said Paul N. Olivier, vice president of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. “It wouldn’t be possible without the investment of donors like Lenny Fisher. We’re grateful that he and other local leaders recognize the importance of this project.”

Lenny’s donation established The Leonard J. Fisher Family Emergency Department Fund. And through his gift, Lenny said he is doing his part to make sure that immediate care is readily available to children and families in the region.

“That’s what’s important to me,” he said. “There would be nothing more frustrating for a parent if the Emergency Department wasn’t available during a time of crisis. Akron Children’s doesn’t turn any family away for lack of insurance or the family’s ability to pay. They rely heavily on donations. Without the contributions of individuals and companies, I don’t believe the hospital would be able to operate at the current level. So, for those of us who are able, we should give ‘til it hurts – and then give more.”

Make an investment in our kids and your community

Your gift to support the expansion of our Mahoning Valley ED will help the more than 30,000 children and families who rely on our facility each year. Help us improve access to necessary emergency services, create a family-centered experience and improve the work environment for our medical staff. Contact Luann Maynard, director of development at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, at 330-746-9122 or [email protected] to make your gift today!

6 CHILDREN’S PROGRESS | FALL 2018

Farmers National Bank believes in helping the organizations that make an impact in its communities. And for more than a decade, they’ve been a champion for Akron Children’s Hospital.

“Akron Children’s provides a ray of light to so many families,” said Kevin Helmick, president and CEO of Farmers National Bank and member of the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation board of directors.

“It’s our calling to assist a great organization such as Akron Children’s.”

Recently, the community bank reaffirmed this commitment through a generous $250,000 gift to support the $25 million expansion of our Mahoning Valley Emergency Department (ED).

“We live and work in the communities we serve,” explained Kevin, with the bank operating in Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Trumbull and Wayne counties in Ohio, as well as Beaver County in Pennsylvania. “To help support the Emergency Department expansion was an easy decision. We hope Akron Children’s continues to grow and provide many life-changing programs and services for children in northern Ohio and beyond.”

“Donors like Farmers National Bank are providing a foundation for this expansion, and we couldn’t do it without their support,” said Lisa Aurilio, MSN, MBA, chief operating officer at Akron Children’s.

“This type of investment in the Mahoning Valley community is something that will impact generations to come.”

Generating “wins” for children, families and community

“Akron Children’s is near and dear to me,” said Kevin. “My son, Preston, was born with a congenital heart defect that could have cost his life as an infant. The compassionate care he received from the doctors and staff at Akron Children’s throughout the years has let him have a second chance at life.”

And since 2010, Farmers has been a strong supporter of our hospital in the Mahoning Valley, including supporting events like the Clubs for Kids Golf Classic. And its leadership and employees have become true advocates for our staff, patients and families.

“At Farmers, our mantra is to create win-wins for all of our stakeholders,” explained Kevin. “In fact, we created a rally cry around the win-win philosophy. We live and breathe the mindset of helping our communities each day. We want to help raise up the communities we serve and be stewards of impact and change.”

Now, through its support of the ED expansion, Farmers is continuing to champion pediatric care in the Mahoning Valley while bringing a much-needed sense of security to families.

“Being a father of three boys, I know the stresses of an emergency visit,” said Kevin. “This expansion gives me a great sense of relief to know that high-quality pediatric emergency care services will be available when children and parents need it most.”

Leaders of impact and changeFarmers National Bank donates $250,000 to Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion

Luann Maynard, director of development at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, accepts a check from Kevin Helmick, president and CEO of Farmers National Bank.

Help Akron Children’s be there for families when they need us most

If your company is interested in supporting the expansion of emergency services in the Mahoning Valley, please contact Luann Maynard, director of development at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, at 330-746-9122 or [email protected].

6 CHILDREN’S PROGRESS | VOLUME 1 2021


98.1 KDD Radiothon delivers hope through the airwavesCelebrating longtime dedication of Akron Children’s Hospital champions Keith Kennedy and 98.1 KDD

From technology and social media to the hospital’s footprint and breadth of services, a lot has changed in the 22 years since the first 98.1 KDD Radiothon benefitting Akron Children’s Hospital hit the airwaves.

Yet, as the 2021 virtual Radiothon came to a close on Feb. 12, it was clear that some things never change – the camaraderie of community, the strength of families who share their health care stories, the generosity of listeners who pledge to help our patients, and the commitment of host Keith Kennedy and 98.1 KDD.

“It was overwhelming, especially since many listeners have been impacted by the economy in the past year,” said Keith. “It’s a reminder that when you’re doing the right thing, people respond.”

By the end of the event, our community raised $355,626 for our hospital – bringing Radiothon’s 22-year fundraising total to more than $12 million.

Stronger together

Since its founding, Radiothon has been a true partnership between Akron Children’s and 98.1 KDD.

“Radiothon closely aligns with our brand of helping children in the community,” explained Keith. “A lot of other stations are defined by their morning show or their music. We’re now defined by philanthropic events and children. That’s where Radiothon has taken our station.”

Keith has been involved with Radiothon since year one, first working behind the scenes before transitioning to host several years later. He explained that it takes an army to plan and execute Radiothon every year, and the collaboration between our two entities couldn’t be any better.

During the course of his involvement, Keith also has become an advocate for our hospital.

He supports Radiothon professionally and personally by being heavily involved in year-round planning for both the Akron and Mahoning Valley events. He was a founding member and played an instrumental role in The Emerging Leaders Board of Akron Children’s Hospital and was one of the creators of the Dancing for the Kids fundraising event.

In the past 22 years, through the 98.1 KDD Radiothon, his involvement in the Mahoning Valley Miracles and Promises Radiothon and Dancing for the Kids, Keith has been instrumental in helping raise nearly $14.5 million for our hospital.

“I can’t think of anything more important than helping kids,” said Keith. “You hear stories about children overcoming cancer, of illnesses being cured. My first experience with the hospital was when I was a child. My cousin had cerebral palsy and he underwent several surgeries and they enabled him to walk. After I became a father, I found myself in the ER a few times – thankfully for nothing serious. But you learn to appreciate it a lot more and understand just how special Akron Children’s is.”

Keith Kennedy talks to a patient family during the 2020 98.1 KDD Radiothon. For the past 22 years, Keith has played an instrumental part in the annual event, helping raise funds and awareness for Akron Children’s Hospital (photo taken before March 2020).

Be a ‘Change Maker’

You can fundraise for Akron Children’s and our patients all year long through the Change Maker program in partnership with 98.1 KDD. Formerly known as the Change Bandit program, this year-round initiative uses online fundraising as a way for participants called “KDD Change Makers” to raise money for our hospital. Anyone can sign up, including kids, individuals, families and companies. Learn more at akronchildrens.org/changemakers.


Land of opportunityTom Dillon donates $2.7 million commercial property to benefit Akron Children’s

After a long career as a builder and developer, Akron native Tom Dillon is no stranger to large real estate transactions. But at 89 years old, he may have inked one of his best deals yet; an investment in the future of Akron Children’s Hospital – in the form of a 105-acre property donation valued at $2.7 million.

A personal connection

Tom’s real estate gift to Akron Children’s has been decades in the making. In fact, his relationship with our hospital goes back to the birth of one of his seven daughters, Eleanore.

Born at Akron’s St. Thomas Hospital, Eleanore was transferred to Akron Children’s after she was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her arm.

“We were told she could lose her arm,” said Tom. “I was so happy we lived here and had access to some of the best doctors in the country.”

During this difficult time, Akron Children’s played a critical role in caring for young Eleanore. She underwent several surgeries during her first month of life, and doctors were able to save her arm. Now, she’s headed toward her 64th birthday.

Donating ‘Dillon Drive’

Tom’s recent gift to Akron Children’s is the culmination of many conversations with friends both inside and outside of our hospital. It’s a choice he made with the assistance of not only the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation, but his legal and financial counsel at Brouse McDowell and Apple Growth Partners.

After weighing his donation options, Tom made the generous decision to gift a large piece of commercial property he owned in Ashtabula, Ohio – estimated to be worth $2.7 million.

The road that passes through the vacant land bears his name – Dillon Drive. And for businesses looking to grow in northeast Ohio, the 105 acres that surround it have plenty to offer. Located near the intersection of state Route 11 and U.S. Route 20, the site has access to both rail service and water from Lake Erie.

“There’s a professional team at the hospital that will decide what to do with the land. But I will be available to give advice on anything I can,” said Tom.

“I hope my real estate donation can help build upon the hospital’s legacy of delivering the best possible care to children across our region – and beyond.”

As a token of appreciation for his generosity, the Akron Children’s facility that once cared for his daughter will be named The Thomas J. Dillon Family Emergency Department.

“Today I have eight great-grandchildren,” he said. “It’s nice to know that they’ll always have world-class facilities nearby.”

Hometown pride

As a lifelong resident of northeast Ohio, Tom has had a front-row seat to watch Akron grow into the city it is today.

“In my work, I’ve gone all over the world,” he said. “Akron looked pretty good then – and it still does today.”

A true businessman at heart, Tom also appreciates the economic impact Akron Children’s has made on the region. And he supports our hospital because he sees it as a well-managed organization that’s moving in the right direction.

“Akron Children’s is a top nonprofit engine that is keeping our city moving forward,” said Tom. “For the growth of our city, the ability for children to see some of the top doctors in the country is important.”

Give the gift of real estate

When you donate appreciated property you have owned for more than one year, you’ll qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction equal to its full fair market value. Not only can this eliminate capital gains tax and lower your overall tax bill, but you’ll no longer have to pay that property’s maintenance costs, taxes or insurance.

Another benefit: You don’t have to deal with the hassle of selling your real estate. You can deed the property directly to Akron Children’s or ask your attorney to add the donation to your will or trust agreement.


To learn more about the benefits of making a real estate donation to Akron Children’s, contact Tim DuFore, senior director, development operations, at 330-810-5826.

Tom Dillon


It’s better to give than to receive.

That’s the philosophy that Alfred Magoline, MD, ascribed to during his career as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. It also sums up his approach to philanthropy and giving back.

“I just feel so fortunate that I was able, as a doctor, to help people with their medical problems,” said Dr. Magoline. “It was very rewarding to be in a position, as a surgeon, to make an immediate difference in their lives.”

Now, thanks to a generous $500,000 donation, the longtime Akron Children’s Hospital friend and donor is making a difference for children and families who rely on the expertise of our otolaryngology program for conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related parts of the head and neck.

Dr. Magoline’s gift, which created the Alfred J. Magoline Otolaryngology Fund, will help the program expand while ensuring it continues to provide the best possible care.

“We’re extremely grateful to Dr. Magoline,” said Mark Wulkan, MD, FACS, FAAP, Bruce F. Rothmann, M.D. Chair in Pediatric Surgery. “Thanks to his generosity, the division will have a funding source to help enhance the division’s clinical programs, research and teaching. This gift will elevate our excellent division of otolaryngology to new heights.”

“Whatever field of medicine you’re in, there’s always a need,” said Dr. Magoline. “I consider myself most fortunate to be able to contribute and help the otolaryngology department.”

It’s a fitting gift for a place that’s always felt like home to Dr. Magoline.

After serving in the Army Medical Corps for 10 years at the start of his medical career, Dr. Magoline established a practice adjacent to our hospital in the Locust Professional Building in 1971. He had a large pediatric practice and performed multiple operations at our hospital each week. He spent many years as the chief of the otolaryngology department and also served as president of our medical staff in 1970.

“I really enjoyed working there and found the OR staff to be wonderful,” he said. “The times I spent working at Akron Children’s are the memories that I hold dearest. Watching Akron Children’s grow from that little hospital to what it is now was amazing.”

Now, he hopes his gift will support both the hospital and medical field that mean so much to him – while setting an example for others to give.

“I think if you have the capability, you should want to share the bountiful rewards that life has given you by helping those less fortunate. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to do that,” said Dr. Magoline. “I’m enjoying it, and as long as I’m here I’ll continue to do what I can to help.”

A gift of gratitudePhysician donates $500,000 to support Akron Children’s Hospital’s otolaryngology program

Give a gift to support Akron Children’s Ear, Nose and Throat Center

If you’re interested in helping our staff deliver world-class care to the children in your community, contact Megan Hopper, senior director of principal giving, at 330-543-5768 or [email protected].

Dr. Alfred J. Magoline



Volume 1 2021





Lenny Fisher



PAIDAkron, OH

Permit No. 202



















calendar of events
















foun

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Leave your legacy










foun

dat

ion

boa

rd o

f di

rect

ors Officers

































































Leave your legacy












Volume 1 2021





Lenny Fisher



PAIDAkron, OH

Permit No. 202



















calendar of events
















Documents

U.S. Postage Helping every child reach their full potential