Bath Community Fund kicks off new campaign

by Karen Nathan

Celebrating its 10th anniversary of giving back to the community, Bath Community Fund took advantage of the festive mood to launch “For Bath, Forever” – a campaign to add nearly half a million dollars to group’s endowment fund – at its annual meeting on Aug. 15.

The more than 70 people in attendance included BCF board members, staff and executives from Akron Community Foundation, grantee representatives and scores of people who call Bath home. Rev. Mark Frey, BCF board president, served as master of ceremonies. BCF Financial Officer Steve Strayer provided an update on the fiscal health of BCF’s endowment, which stands at over $1.27 million and received more than $123,000 in contributions in the last year.

Diana McCool, grant committee chair, said BCF provided $250,000 to Bath area nonprofits over the last nine years. In 2023, there were 17 grant recipients, and there is roughly $50,000 available for the next grant cycle, which begins Sept. 1.

President and CEO of Akron Community Foundation John Petures spoke about BCF’s founders, saying they “had a truthful, honest conversation about what it meant to give back to the community.” He talked about the partnership between ACF and BCF over the last decade, and said the ACF team is proud to help BCF do its work.

Several grant recipients spoke of the significant impact BCF’s grant funding has had on their organizations including Crown Point Executive Director Kevin Gross, Western Reserve Playhouse Artistic Director August Scarpelli and Alexandra Vukoder from Revere Baseball-Softball Association.

Gross said BCF funding has allowed Crown Point to donate nearly 8,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Vukoder said the grant-funded middle school girls softball teams learned about “friendship, empathy and how to win when other people win.”

Guests were treated to a dramatic reading of a poem about BCF’s founding, written by co-founder Jody Konstand and performed by four Western Reserve Playhouse students.

Konstand, BCF board member Kathy Sidaway, Bath resident James McClellan, and donors Cheryl and Jim Nilsen rounded out the evening by officially launching the “For Bath, Forever” anniversary campaign. The goal is to raise $400,000 and add 100 new donors in the next three years.

In connection with the campaign, Konstand will lead the “benevolence committee,” concentrating on fundraising. Sidaway will spearhead the “advise committee,” focusing on educating the community about the fund. McClellan is in charge of the “tout and hail committee,” highlighting good works and deeds in Bath and hailing those who wish to be recognized for them.

The three announced that, to date, nearly $195,000 has been raised, which accounts for 48% of the goal. They have also captured 10 new donors. The Nilsens spoke about their relationship beginning in Bath and noted that though they no longer reside in Bath, it is forever in their hearts.

They then unveiled a large glass and invited guests for help fill it halfway with water to symbolize that the campaign has almost reached its mark. They said when BCF gathers next year for the annual meeting they hope the glass will be overflowing. To donate, visit akroncf.org/give/BCF. ∞

Photo (above): Jody Konstand shares fundraising goals for “For Bath, Forever.” Photo courtesy of James McClellan.

Western Reserve Playhouse students read an original poem by Jody Konstand commemorating BCF’s 10th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Kathy Sidaway.