By Aaron Swartz, Office Managing Partner, EY Akron
As a lifelong member of the Akron community, and as someone who has had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of United Way of Summit & Medina’s Tocqueville Society, I can say without hesitation that generosity has the power to change lives. This year, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our local Tocqueville Society, an incredible milestone that highlights three and a half decades of our community’s leaders coming together to create transformative change. But it is also an opportunity to reflect on the path ahead and the need for others to step forward in helping us continue this journey.
Established locally in 1989 with 20 members led by Ann and David Brennan, the Tocqueville Society is made up of some of our most dedicated supporters. These individuals believe in the power of giving back and embody the belief that together we can build a stronger, more resilient community. Since its founding, our Tocqueville members have contributed more than $40 million, supporting everything from early childhood education and financial stability to the creation of United Way’s Family Resource Centers. Every contribution represents hope for a brighter future in Summit and Medina counties. And yet, as we look around today, the need for that hope is as pressing as ever.
The theme for United Way’s End of Year Giving Campaign, “Brighten Our Community,” could not be more fitting. It’s a reminder that while one person alone can make a difference, together we can illuminate the way forward for thousands of our neighbors who may be facing dark and difficult times. This campaign challenges all of us who are able to step up, to be a beacon for those in need, and to carry on the legacy of those who laid the foundation for the Tocqueville Society. They understood something that remains true today: giving is not just about money; it’s about faith in the power of our community to rise above adversity.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen countless examples of this resilience. Struggling families finding new footing with assistance from United Way’s Family Resource Centers, which have provided more than 4,000 free rides and food deliveries to people in need. People taking control of their finances for the first time with the help of the Akron Financial Empowerment Center, which has helped Summit and Medina County residents pay down more than $7 million in debt. At-risk mothers carrying their infants to term with help from the resources United Way’s care coordinators connected them to. Last year alone, more than 100 pregnant women at risk of infant mortality received short- or long-term housing assistance from United Way. These successes are possible because of the committed donors who believe in United Way’s mission of supporting lives, families, and futures.
As the Tocqueville Society celebrates its 35th year, I urge others to consider what it means to establish their own legacy of giving. Now more than ever, our community needs people who are willing to share – not only their financial resources but their hope for what we can achieve together.
This is not just support for today; it’s an investment in tomorrow. It’s about ensuring that parents have the resources to provide for their children, that young people have opportunities to grow and learn, and that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has a place to turn when times get tough. In times of crisis, we know that there will be helping hands to lift them up. This peace of mind, this promise of a safety net, is what “Brighten Our Community” is all about.
As we look forward to the next 35 years, let us all commit to shining a little more light. Whether through the Tocqueville Society or as a new contributor to United Way, there are so many ways to get involved. So I ask my peers, my colleagues, and my friends—if you have the means to give, please consider joining us. Together, we can brighten the path to stability, resilience, and hope for all who call Summit and Medina counties home.
Let’s continue the legacy, let’s rise to the challenge, and let’s make sure that our community always has a guiding light in times of need. Your support can be the spark that ignites lasting change, and together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
