About the Foundation
The Stark Library Foundation was founded in 2006 by a group of passionate volunteers determined to financially support the mission of Stark Library, helping library leadership to grow programming and service offerings.
The Foundation believes the library is a powerful tool – a store of knowledge that transforms lives through the written word and other meaningful resources.
The Foundation has grown every year, thanks to its passionate Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, and generous community support.
What We Fund
The Stark Library Foundation is able to provide financial support for the Library’s greatest needs and highest priorities through generous gifts from donors like you. The Library’s strategic thinking blueprint and executive leadership provide a framework for library services worthy of the Foundation’s financial support. The Library’s key focuses include early literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
Ways to Give
The Stark Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all financial contributions are tax deductible. The Foundation accepts a variety of gifts.
1. Cash, Check, or Credit Card
If you would like to make a contribution to the Library Foundation, you may do so via the methods below:
Donate via credit card:
Donate via check or cash:
Stark Library Foundation
ATTN: Mary Ellen Icaza
715 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702
2. Tribute Gifts
A tribute gift can recognize or commemorate a person you care about. The Library Foundation recognizes gifts made in “Honor Of” or in “Memory Of” of someone special in our biannual publication. Additionally, we mail a letter to the individual or family member letting them know a gift has been made in their honor or in memory of their family member. Please include the information below when making a tribute gift:
- Whether the gift is an honorary or memorial gift.
- Name of the person you wish to recognize or remember.
- Name and address of the person to whom you would like an acknowledgement letter mailed. (We will not include the amount of your gift in the acknowledgement letter.)
3. Legacy Gifts (Planned Gifts)
Planned gifts are an important part of ensuring our library’s excellence for generations to come. Planned gifts also can provide valuable tax benefits to the donor, and even lifetime income. Please consult your attorney or financial planner as to which vehicle best fits your financial circumstances as well as your tax and charitable objectives.
The Library Foundation accepts a variety of planned gifts including bequests through wills or trust, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, retirement plan assets and even property. For more information about making a planned gift, please contact Mary Ellen Icaza 330.458.2707.
4. Corporate Giving and Sponsorship
Collaboration is extremely important to the Library Foundation. That is why we are always seeking ways to partner with philanthropic, community-minded businesses. Our generous corporate partners provide funds for a variety of projects as well as underwrite our annual fundraiser.
If your business or organization is interested in partnering with the Library Foundation through a donation or sponsorship, please contact Mary Ellen Icaza 330.458.2707.
5. Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs, matching charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift program, contact your Human Resources Department. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer and send it completed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift may be doubled or possibly tripled!
What We Fund
The Stark Library Foundation is able to provide financial support for the Library’s greatest needs and highest priorities through generous gifts from donors like you. The Library’s strategic thinking blueprint and executive leadership provide a framework for library services worthy of the Foundation’s financial support. The Library’s key focuses include early literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
Questions?
Please contact Mary Ellen Icaza 330.458.2707 or Mary Ellen Icaza.
2021-2022 Library Foundation Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
President: Mary Calnon
Community Volunteer
President-Elect: Denise Hill
Retired Co-Owner, Custom Fireplace Shop
Treasurer: Jeanne Freitag
Community Volunteer
Secretary: Suzanne Birkbeck
Community Volunteer
Board members
Krista Allison
Education Consultant,
Stark County ESC
Emily Callan
Grant Writer,
United Way of Greater Stark County
Jackie DeGarmo
President and Founder
Hillard Jeane, LLC
Julia Dick
Owner, MOLA Productions and
L. A. Dick Imports, Italian Wines
Dr. Geraldine Humphrey
Retired counselor and community volunteer
Christine Kruman
Community Volunteer
Kay Leath
College & Career Prep Advisor
Ellen McNally
Community Volunteer
Janet Baker
Community Volunteer
Bridgette Neisel
Vice President of Advancement
Stark Community Foundation
Angela Rembert
Cafeteria Assistant, Youth Mentor
Canton City Schools/Stark County
Community Action Agency
Todd Ruggles
Director of Tax Services,
415 Group
Lisa Warburton-Gregory
Community Volunteer
Michael Wheeler
President & Chief Legal Officer,
Patriot Software Company
Lauren Zollinger
Director,
ABIS Group
Maureen Ater
Vice President of Marketing & Fund Development,
Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, Inc.
Barb Ewing Cockroft
Educational Consultant
Stark County ESC, State Support Team, Region 9
Sarah Sowers
Controller
Walsh University
2021 Ad-Hoc Board Members
Kyle Sheposh
CFO, Solmet Technologies, Inc.
Kevin Burwell
Attorney
Library staff members
Mary Ellen Icaza
CEO and Executive Director
Stephanie Mooney
Executive Administrative Assistant