Since 1890, when a group of visionary women founded the Mary Day Nursery to care for children while their mothers worked, the Akron Children’s Women’s Board has been at the heart of the care delivered through Akron Children’s. Evolving with the community’s needs – from post-polio rehabilitation to modern-day challenges – the board has remained […]
Donor Features
Fostering hope through research and recreation: Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation invests in innovative behavioral health initiatives at Akron Children’s
In a time when mental health challenges among youth are on the rise, the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation is stepping up with transformative support for Akron Children’s. The foundation’s $1.5 million pledge establishes the Behavioral Health Faculty Research Program, aimed at advancing understanding of how mental health conditions develop, their community impacts and optimal […]
Thinking bigger for behavioral health: How Peg’s Foundation is transforming pediatric mental health care
When serious mental illness struck Burt and Margaret “Peg” Morgan’s son, Dave, it upended their lives. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Dave spent much of his time in treatment facilities, facing disruptions that even the family’s resources could not prevent. In response, the Morgans founded the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, now known as Peg’s Foundation, with the […]
A family’s enduring legacy: The Showers Family Foundation plants seeds for generations of care
In the world of philanthropy, few stories illustrate the power of generational giving like that of Dave and Martha Showers. The retired CEO of Wayne Homes and his wife have not only donated millions to Akron Children’s but have also instilled a passion for helping children in their family, ensuring their impact endures. Dave, now […]
Investing in families, investing in futures: Two couples support providers in new autism-focused center
When Carter and Carole Lewis and Gary and Rhonda Didado decided to make transformational gifts to Akron Children’s, they weren’t just giving money. They were stepping into the lives of thousands of families touched by autism – families who, like their own, know that even small breakthroughs can mean everything. These couples’ gifts support the […]
Autism care reaches new heights: Tom and Jill Zidian’s gift supports autism center on Akron Children’s campus
When the new Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center at Akron Children’s opened in November 2025, it brought next-level care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For the Zidians, their $2 million gift means much more than having their names on the building. For them, autism is personal. Bringing a taste of Italy […]
