When Ainsley Blue was just 4.5 years old, she remembers being in the burn unit at Akron Children’s with her little brother, Preston, who had suffered a burn on his hand. “The memory really stuck with me even though I was so young,” she said. “My brother was crying and upset, and I remember someone […]
Donor Features
Highland High grad is 9th member of her family to participate in Charity Ball
Madeline (Maddy) Silver is looking forward to making her debut as one of the debutantes being presented in this year’s 119th Akron Children’s Charity Ball, a cotillion that recognizes and honors the participating families for their commitment to the hospital and the community. Akron Children’s is close to the Silver family’s heart because Maddy was […]
Safer – and stronger – together: The Goodyear Foundation renews its commitment to the Safe Mobility Project
When The Goodyear Foundation and Akron Children’s joined forces to create the Safe Mobility Project in 2015, we became a collective force for good, safety – and change. For six years, children and families in Summit County have benefitted from the program, which aims to help keep kids safe while they’re on the move. Now, […]
Rebuilding lives: Marci M. Matthews establishes endowed chair for excellence in burn care
Restoration after devastation. That’s how the team at the Paul and Carol David Foundation Burn Institute at Akron Children’s approaches its intense work. The stories of recovery from this unit inspired long-time donor Marci Matthews to place a greater emphasis on burn treatment. Through a $1 million gift, she established the Marci M. Matthews Endowed […]
Dave and Julie Pratt support Akron Children’s culture of caring
As parents of three active boys, it didn’t take long for Dave and Julie Pratt to become familiar with the Emergency Department at Akron Children’s. Visits became common, helping the family mend broken bones and stitch up cuts. “One weekend we had each boy in there for something different,” said Julie. “By the third trip, […]
Tom and Joy Murdough’s $500,000 gift supports Innovation Challenge
Tom Murdough is known as many things. Inventor, employer, pioneer, husband, father, grandfather. The innovator and founder of Little Tikes, Step2 and Simplay3 also embodies another important moniker: philanthropist. Together with his wife, Joy, Tom has supported organizations across northeast Ohio, including Akron Children’s. Since 1983, the couple has donated over $2 million to our […]












