Akron Children’s to host 120th Charity Ball on Dec. 29

12-14-2023 (Akron, Ohio )

The 120th Charity Ball presented by the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s, will take place at E.J. Thomas Hall in downtown Akron on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. All proceeds benefit Akron Children’s. 
 
Twenty-one honorees will be presented at the annual event in recognition of their parents’ and grandparents’ volunteer contributions to the local community. This year’s honorees represent a variety of high schools and are:

Tera Brilmyer, daughter of Marie and Michael Brilmyer, Firestone High School, Fordham University, of Akron.

Mia Clark, daughter of Kristen and Scott Clark, Walsh Jesuit High School, University of Toledo, of Bath.

Anna Conrad, daughter of Megan and Joel Conrad, Copley High School, Kent State University, of Fairlawn.

Ava Dannemiller, daughter of Stephanie and William Dannemiller, Copley High School, Miami University, of Fairlawn.

Elle Dannemiller, daughter of Elizabeth and Noel Dannemiller, Firestone High School, University of Cincinnati, of Akron.

Kathryn Figler, daughter of Susan and Matthew Figler, Walsh Jesuit High School, The Ohio State University, of Stow.

Ryen Fitzwater, daughter of Amy and Todd Fitzwater, Firestone High School, Miami University, of Akron.

Sophia Frammartino, daughter of Catherine and Anthony Frammartino, Walsh Jesuit, Boston College, of Hudson.

Zoe Graham, daughter of Suzanne Graham Moore and Aaron Graham, Firestone High School, the University of Akron, of Akron.

Mary Hanlon, daughter of Jennifer and Aron Hanlon, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, The Ohio State University, of Bath.

Lauren Hobe, daughter of Dr. Jennifer Grow and Gregory Hobe, Hoover High School, Wright State University, of North Canton.

Lydia Kefalas, daughter of Dr. Sarah Babai and Dr. Costas Kefalas, Walsh Jesuit High School, The Ohio State University, of Bath.

Allison Malick, daughter of Jamie and Kevin Malick, Walsh Jesuit High School, Purdue University, of Copley.

Lauren Mercer, daughter of Victoria and John Mercer, Walsh Jesuit High School, Michigan State University, of Akron.

Molly Moshier, daughter of Nicole and Jeffrey Moshier, Firestone High School, Ohio Northern University, of Akron.

Giana Mutersbaugh, daughter of Lisa and Steven Mutersbaugh, Archbishop Hoban High School, Wheeling University, of Bath.

Lydia Peterson, daughter of Maria and Brian Peterson, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, The University of Akron, of Fairlawn.

Molly Scanlon, daughter of Tina Scanlon and John Scanlon, Archbishop Hoban High School, the University of Dayton, of Akron.

Madison Tomei, daughter of Christina and Mark Grescovich, Walsh Jesuit High School, Baldwin Wallace University, of Hudson.

Marissa White, daughter of Torina and Brian White, Revere High School, Michigan State University, of Bath.

Paige Yu, daughter of Bernadette and Tony Yu, Highland High School, Bowling Green State University, of Sharon.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The presentation of honorees will take place at 7:30 p.m., with dinner and dancing to follow. 
 
To continue the commitment of service demonstrated by their families, the participants completed a service project of their own, volunteering for Project Linus to make blankets for Akron Children’s patients. The national non-profit organization makes and donates homemade blankets to children in the hospital or others in need.  
 
After the Mary Day Nursery, the predecessor to Akron Children’s, opened in 1890, the first Mary Day Nursery Ball was held on Dec. 18, 1895 to raise money for the nursery and kindergarten. The third ball, in 1897, was called the “Charity Ball” and has remained a community tradition. The Charity Ball continued through both World Wars, and in 1951, the presentation of honorees was added. 
 
If you’re interested in attending the 120th Charity Ball, contact Jodi Vrabec at 330-388-5337 or email womensboard@akronchildrens.org.