The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists Celebrates a Decade of Impact with “Million Dollar Moment” Event

AKRON, Ohio, August 9, 2024 - Summa Health announced today a significant milestone for The Circle of Women's Health Philanthropists, a dedicated network of female leaders and philanthropists, who are at the forefront of advancing women's healthcare throughout the health system. Members celebrated The Circle's 10-year anniversary and an extraordinary achievement of $1 million in collective contributions at a "Million Dollar Moment" event, on August 8, hosted in the Leuchtag Lobby of the Ann and David Brennan Pavilion at the Summa Health System - 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 our Circle chairs - Ginnie Abell, Colleen O'Connor 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."

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. For more information about The Circle of Women's Health Philanthropists, visit summahealth.org/circle.

Summa Health is one of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in Ohio. Encompassing a network of hospitals, community medical centers, a health plan, an accountable care organization, a multi-specialty physician organization, research and Summa Foundation, we are nationally renowned for excellence in patient care and for exceptional approaches to healthcare delivery. Summa's clinical services are consistently recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (Magnet status), U.S. News and World Report, Healthgrades, Thomson Reuters and The Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit summahealth.org or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/summahealth, Pinterest at pinterest.com/summahealth, LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/summahealth, Instagram at instagram.com/summahealth, YouTube at youtube.com/summahealthsystem, and TikTok at tiktok.com/@summahealth.