More than 200 people gathered Oct. 1 to celebrate our community’s brightest stars. The inaugural More childhood, please. Awards honored community members and Akron Children’s employees who improve kids’ lives throughout northeast Ohio.
Akron Children’s President and CEO Chris Gessner presents the Gries family – parents Meagen and Jeff with kids Owen and Emma – with the Family Impact Award.
Welcome and entertainment
Chris Gessner, Akron Children’s president and CEO, greeted the event attendees. “When I look around this room, I am humbled to be in the presence of so many people who care deeply about kids,” he said. “Thank you all for being here on this special night of recognition. Our goal is to shine a light on all of you who work diligently to make a difference for children, teens and young adults.”
A rousing performance by Dance Unlimited, a therapeutic dance team of Akron Children’s patients of all abilities, had attendees swaying and clapping in their seats. Dressed in sparkly, matching costumes, the dancers performed to songs including Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”
The Dance Unlimited performers and helpers wowed the crowd.
About the award
Akron Children’s received 55 nominations for the 10 awards. Each honoree received a hand-blown award made by Akron Glass Works. The marble, a classic children’s toy, inspired the award design. Check out the video linked below to see how the awards were made!
The honorees
Monica Robins, chief medical correspondent for WKYC TV, and Anna Huntsman, multimedia journalist with Ideastream hosted the awards presentation. Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients.
Family Impact Award: Meagen, Jeff, Owen and Emma Gries
After the tragic loss of their infant daughter, Meagen and Jeff Gries founded the Molly Ann Gries Foundation in her memory. The family partners with businesses, health care providers and local organizations to distribute safe sleep information to families with at-risk infants.
The Gries family
Young Leader Award: Mackenzie Roach
Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 8, Mackenzie underwent surgery and had to relearn basic skills like walking and talking. Today, at age 21, she seeks out ways to positively impact the lives of others. For example, she has helped to raise more than $600,000 for Akron Children’s via the annual radiothon.
Mackenzie Roach
Akron Children’s Caregiver Award: Jack Weber
Jack is a speech and language pathologist who goes above and beyond to touch the lives of his patients. With is fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language, he ensures patients receive culturally competent care – and fewer moments of potential isolation during their encounters at the hospital.
Jack Weber
Outstanding Media Award: Keith Kennedy
Keith has been a driving force in the success of Akron Children’s radiothon, which is held in conjunction with 98.1 KDD every February. The radiothon raises crucial funds and draws awareness to the care that helps Akron Children’s patients reach their full potential.
Keith Kennedy
Trailblazer Award: Beth Cardina
Beth, a licensed social worker, has devoted nearly 40 years to advocating on behalf of abused or neglected kids. She began her career in child welfare in 1988 and has served as director of the Summit County Juvenile Court’s Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem program for the past 18 years.
Beth Cardina
Community Hero Award: Brian Bidlingmyer
Brian is chief development officer for the Akron Area YMCA. He spearheaded the Safety Around Water program that provides kids with free water safety education and foundational swim skills. Since its creation in 2016, more than 8,000 Summit County children have participated.
Brian Bidlingmyer
Business Impact Award: Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC)
BBC is rooted in the belief that healthy childhoods begin with healthy, supported parents. The organization addresses maternal emotional well-being during pregnancy and the critical weeks after delivery. Essential supplies like diapers, formula, strollers and car seats are also available through BBC’s resource center.
Birthing Beautiful Communities team
Akron Children’s Advocate Award: Melody Strait
A community health worker, Melody’s advocacy takes her beyond the walls of Akron Children’s. She accompanies anxious moms to their kids’ medical appointments and delivers medicine to patients’ homes. In addition, Melody collaborates with Akron Children’s school-based health centers to improve students’ health.
Melody Strait
Civic Champion Award: Adaptive Sports Ohio
Adaptive Sports Ohio believes “everyone deserves a chance to play.” Inspired by her son, Casey, who was born with spina bifida, founder Lisa Followay and her team improve the lives of children with physical disabilities by offering community-based sports and Everyone Plays kits.
Casey and Lisa Followay, Adaptive Sports Ohio
Akron Children’s Luminary Award: Mary Leuca
Mary plays a pivotal role in the Holiday Tree Festival, the beloved annual fundraiser for Akron Children’s. She has served as accountant for 17 years and chair for 12 years. She oversees a large network of volunteers, tree decorators and the teams behind the opening night Gala and the Breakfasts with Santa.
Mary Leuca
“We know the narrative: These are challenging times for kids,” Chris said. “But together, we can make a tremendous impact to ensure that every child has a chance to reach their full potential.”
Extras
Here are links to the video of the award’s creation, plus media coverage from WKYC.
