The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists celebrates a decade of impact with “Million Dollar Moment” event
In 2024, The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists celebrates its 10-year anniversary, a significant milestone that embodies a decade of commitment and collective generosity in support of women’s healthcare. The Circle also reached an extraordinary $1 million in cumulative giving, a testament to the power of unity and shared vision.
Circle members, clinical leaders and their guests gathered to commemorate this milestone in a "Million Dollar Moment" on August 8 in the Leuchtag Lobby of the Ann and David Brennan Pavilion on the Summa Health – Akron Campus.
Since 2014, the generosity of Circle members has helped fund 22 diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s healthcare programs and services provided by Summa Health. These Circle-funded initiatives include the CenteringPregnancy® Program and the Summa Health Pride Clinic as well as establishing a medical-legal partnership at the Summa Health Family Medicine Center.
“Your impact is seen in the smiles of the women we serve, the communities we uplift and the advancements we make together,” said Summa Health President and CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny. “Thank you to all Circle members, and congratulations on your remarkable achievements.”
The Million Dollar Moment event also recognized The Circle’s induction into the prestigious Thomas W. Cornell Philanthropic Leadership Society earlier this year – a distinction reserved for donors whose cumulative contributions to Summa Health are $1 million or more.
"The Circle’s induction into the Cornell Society is a testament to the power of collective generosity and the vision and leadership of Circle chairs Ginnie Abell, Colleen Wernig, Ginger Marchetta and Julia Rea Bianchi," said Jessica Hudson, president of Summa Foundation and chief development officer at Summa Health.
"Countless women in our community have benefited from their leadership and the meaningful generosity of all Circle members,” she said.
Each Circle member contributes a tax-deductible donation of $2,500 annually. Young professionals under the age of 40 contribute $1,000 each year. Gifts are combined to fund specific needs determined by a vote of members.
Thank you to the members of the Million Dollar Moment planning committee whose personal touches – from determining the theme, the Million Dollar Moment, to planning the menu and special music – made the night so special. Planning Committee members are Ginnie Abell, Julia Rea Bianchi, Barbara Brunt, Phylis Ferrara, Jean Foust, Ginger Marchetta, Laura Billow Preston, Colleen Wernig and Lynn Yanke.
For more information about The Circle, please visit www.summahealth.org/thecircle.
