Dee and Rennick Andreoli:
Inspiring others with a life of philanthropy
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Promise magazine.
Helping others is a way of life for Dee and Rennick Andreoli.
In 2018, they made their way of life a legacy with a generous gift to Summa Health that will strengthen Summa’s ability to enhance the patient experience and empower clinical excellence for generations. The Dee and Rennick Andreoli Courtyard outside the atrium lobby of the new patient tower on the Summa Health System — Akron Campus will honor their remarkable contributions to Summa Health.
They continue to enhance their legacy. Earlier this year, Rennick became chair of the Summa Health “Caring for You … Then, Now, Always” campaign — the largest philanthropic endeavor in Summa Health history. Rennick’s influence will be felt far and wide for generations to come in service to the community he and Dee call home.
“We are fortunate to be able to give back to this community, and by leading the campaign we hope to inspire others to do the same,” Rennick said.
Their long history of helping Summa Health starts with strong support for Summa Health nurses. Dee and Rennick established the Andreoli Awards for Nursing Excellence, which for several years recognized deserving individuals in three categories — compassionate nursing care, nursing safety and nursing research.
“Nurses are at the heart of all healing at Summa Health,” said Dee. “They treat each patient like a member of their own family.”
In 2012, Dee and Rennick were honored at the golf outing for their steadfast support of Summa Health nurses. Dee later served four years on the steering committee for the golf outing. Her strong leadership took the event to new heights, contributing to the more than $2 million that has been raised for nurses since the event’s inception in 2010.
“The Andreolis recognize that nurses have a unique opportunity to touch the lives of patients every day,” said Lorie Rhine, vice president and chief nursing officer of Summa Health System – Akron and St. Thomas Campuses. “By supporting and encouraging the professional growth of our nurses, they make a positive impact on the health of our community.”
In 2017, Dee and Rennick were honorary chairs of the Summa Health Sapphire Ball. Under their leadership, the gala raised a Sapphire Ball record $1.3 million for the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Center for Breast Health and other key clinical areas of the health system. Several nurses attended as guests of the Andreolis.
Love of community motivates their support for Summa Health and far beyond. In addition to Summa Health nurses, Andreoli beneficiaries include children with special needs, cancer patients, veterans, high school and college students, and neglected and abused animals.
A lifelong friend of Summa Health board member Steve Comunale, Rennick is a founding trustee of the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation — named for Steve’s son and Rennick’s godson, who passed away at 27. The Comunale Foundation, which provides supportive services for cancer patients, has eased the cancer journey for hundreds of local families.
It was Steve who introduced Rennick and Dee, who this year will mark 45 years of marriage. Kindred spirits in philanthropy, the couple share a desire to help others, a personal commitment that complements the business philosophy at the heart of their success in hotel management. In Rennick’s words, “Hospitality is people serving people.”
Rennick is the president and CEO of RDA Hotel Management Company. Among the company’s holdings is the Hilton Akron-Fairlawn — the longest continually owned and operated Hilton franchise in the world.
For all they have done for the Greater Akron community, the Andreolis have been recognized with multiple community honors. At Summa Health, Dee and Rennick were inducted into the Thomas W. Cornell Philanthropic Leadership Society, Summa’s most prestigious giving society for friends and benefactors whose cumulative giving is $1 million or more.
“This community is incredibly fortunate to have leaders like Rennick and Dee,” said Cliff Deveny, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Summa Health. “Their deep commitment to helping others sets an example for all of us.”
For more information about supporting the campaign for Summa Health, visit summahealth.org/caring or call 330.375.3159.