Barberton Community Foundation Annual Dinner Moves to John S. Knight Center

 Annual event will take place Thursday, October 29, 2026, with doors opening at 6 p.m. 

BARBERTON, Ohio — Barberton Community Foundation will host its 2026 Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 29, at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron, with doors opening at 6 p.m. The move provides additional space as attendance and interest in the Foundation’s signature event continue to grow.

“Last year’s strong turnout showed us just how much the Annual Dinner has grown and how deeply our community values this celebration,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “The John S. Knight Center gives us the opportunity to welcome more guests and continue building an event that reflects the pride, generosity and momentum of Barberton.”

The Annual Dinner celebrates the people, partnerships and charitable investments creating meaningful change in Barberton. The evening will highlight the Foundation’s work and include the presentation of the Game Changer Award, recognizing an individual and business or organization whose leadership and service are making a lasting difference in the community, and the new Blooming Impact Award, recognizing someone age 35 or younger whose initiative, resolve and momentum are already helping move Barberton forward.

Feedback from attendees at the 2024 and 2025 Annual Dinners indicated a need for more space to network and connect. Following record attendance in 2025, the Foundation is positioning the event for continued growth as it brings together community members, business and civic leaders, nonprofit partners and charitable supporters from Barberton and across Summit County.

“We are excited to bring Barberton’s spirit to one of Summit County’s premier event venues,” Gordon said. “We look forward to filling the room with people who believe in this community and turning the John S. Knight Center purple for the evening.”

Early bird pricing will be available for $85 per ticket, and complimentary parking will be provided in the adjoining parking garage. Ticket and sponsorship information will be announced later this summer.

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About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation, visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.