Barberton Community Foundation Annual Dinner Sells Out After Moving Event to Accommodate More Than 400 Guests

Sold-out celebration honors Barberton's best and introduces a first-of-its-kind auction experience featuring nine Barberton businesses.

BARBERTON, Ohio – There's plenty to celebrate in the Magic City! Barberton Community Foundation's 2026 Annual Dinner, "Celebrating Barberton's Best," is officially sold out. After outgrowing its previous venue, the Foundation moved this year's celebration to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, expanding its capacity to accommodate more than 400 guests on Thursday, October 29.

Nearly half of this year's guests will attend for the first time, including many partners engaged in the Foundation's work. Their participation reflects the growing network of people and organizations working together to strengthen Barberton. The evening will bring community leaders, businesses, neighbors, and friends together to honor outstanding individuals and organizations, showcase the creativity of local student artists, and share the Foundation's growing impact across Barberton.

While dinner tickets are sold out, the celebration isn't limited to those attending. Two online auctions invite the entire community to participate, including the debut of Barberton Bites, Sips & Magic Moments, an experience unlike anything the Foundation has offered before.

A First-of-Its-Kind Barberton Experience

Imagine spending a spring Saturday discovering Barberton in a whole new way, with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, local flavors, creative activities, and a few surprises along the way.

That's the idea behind Barberton Bites, Sips & Magic Moments, a one-of-a-kind auction experience for six guests scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2027.

The Foundation's Community Engagement Committee created the nine-stop adventure in partnership with Barberton businesses and organizations. Each participating business has donated a special experience exclusively for the auction. Guests cannot purchase these experiences individually.

The day will take guests to nine Barberton favorites: Kavé Coffee Bar, Flowers Galore & More, Fa-Ray's Family Restaurant, Magical Theatre Company, Leach's Meats & Sweets, Barberton Sokol Club, Tusk Diner, Green Diamond Grille & Pub, and Clem's Viral Bites.

Guests will step behind the coffee bar, create spring bouquets, enjoy special tastings, explore backstage spaces, and hear stories from local business owners. Transportation between stops outside downtown Barberton is included. Plus, the committee is donating keepsake shirts that say, “I explored the Magic City” with each of the stops listed on the back.

"Moving the Annual Dinner to John S. Knight Center gave us the room we needed to grow, but Barberton is still the reason we gather," said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. "Barberton Bites, Sips, and Magic Moments gives us another way to celebrate our city, from its food and history to the people behind these local businesses. We're proud of what Barberton has to offer, and the winning bidder and their guests are in for a real treat."

Bidding for the complete six-person experience starts at $500, with minimum bid increments of $50. One winning bid secures the entire day for six guests.

The Art of Possibility Returns for a Fourth Year

For the fourth year, the Foundation will present The Art of Possibility: Student Art Showcase & Auction, presented by Goldman Sachs.

The showcase features original artwork from Barberton City School District students in elementary, middle, and high school. This year's collection includes colorful paintings, portraits, mixed-media creations, and a three-piece collection exploring family, growth, and the passage of time.

White Rabbit Galleries professionally framed each piece, creating a gallery-style presentation that highlights the students' creativity and artistic expression.

Proceeds from the student art auction will benefit the White Rabbit Galleries Scholarship Fund and Barberton Community Foundation's endowment. Winning bidders will take home original student artwork while helping support scholarships and the Foundation's continued investment in Barberton.

Both auctions open Thursday, October 22, at noon and close Thursday, October 29, at 8:45 p.m. Bidding is open to the public. Participants do not need to attend the sold-out Annual Dinner to place a bid or win.

To view the auction items and participate, visit 32Auctions.com/BCF1029.

Celebrating Barberton's Best

The Annual Dinner will recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions are helping Barberton thrive.

The Foundation will present its 2026 Game Changer Individual Award to Donna Alherimi, Game Changer Company/Organization Award to Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL), and Blooming Impact Award to Ryan Struckel.

The Foundation will also recognize six honorees whose nominations rose to the top in their respective categories. Blooming Impact honorees include Tyler Jensen and Jolese Rogers. Jeremy Clemetson and Brandon Cramer will receive recognition as Game Changer Individual honorees, while Ignite Brewing Company and Great Trail Council, Scouting America will be recognized as Game Changer Company/Organization honorees.

Barberton businesses will add special touches throughout the celebration. Caine's Flowers is creating custom gift baskets for the honorees, while Flowers Galore & More will provide the evening's floral arrangements. Pedal Stomper Productions is producing feature videos highlighting this year's award recipients, along with a special tribute honoring the life and legacy of Ken Cox, a former Barberton mayor and Ohio legislator who helped establish Barberton Community Foundation and later served as its board chair. Pedal Stomper will also capture the evening through photography.

Beyond the awards and celebrations, the Foundation will share highlights of its strategic impact in Barberton. From helping young children prepare for kindergarten to expanding career pathways, supporting downtown revitalization, and addressing basic needs, the Foundation continues to build momentum through scholarships, grants, programs, and community partnerships.

Community Support Makes the Celebration Possible

Barberton Community Foundation extends its appreciation to its leading Annual Dinner sponsors: Goldman Sachs; JLP Development, LLC; Roger and Sally Read; Barberton Slovak Catholic Sokol Club; Community Action Akron Summit; Dr. Doug and Jane Gormley; and Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation. Barberton Community Foundation also recognizes the many additional sponsors, businesses, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity and support help make this celebration possible.

"There's so much to celebrate in Barberton, starting with the remarkable people and organizations we're honoring and the partners who believe in this community," Gordon said. "I'm also incredibly proud of the team we've built at the Foundation. These are exceptional professionals who bring tremendous talent, sound judgment, and genuine care to their work every day. They hold themselves to a high standard because they understand the responsibility that comes with serving this community. I believe Barberton deserves nothing less, and I couldn't be prouder to work alongside them."