Becky and Bill Considine to be Recognized by The Salvation Army with Community Medal Award
Akron, OH, September 11, 2020 –– One of Akron’s most beloved power couples, Rebecca D. and William H. Considine are being honored by The Salvation Army of Summit County in recognition of their ongoing, significant philanthropic work in the Akron area. The Considines will be recognized at a hybrid fundraiser, The Salvation Army’s sixteenth annual Community Medal Award and Red Kettle Kickoff drive-through event Thursday, November 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at St. George Fellowship Hall, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn, coupled with on-demand virtual event. The Considines will personally distribute to-go banquet lunches at the drive-through and participants will enjoy their meals at a location of their choice and view the virtual event at their convenience.
The Salvation Army’s Community Medal Award is presented to individuals and organizations who make a significant ongoing impact in the Greater Akron community through professional and volunteer work.
“Becky and Bill Considine’s life work exemplifies the ideal of a Community Medal awardee,” said Major Steven Stoops, Area Coordinator and Corps Officer for The Salvation Army, Summit County Area Services (SCAS). “Their example of servant leadership outlines a humble and persistent focus on philanthropy and advocacy to enrich the lives of families in the Akron area and northeast Ohio. Their separate angles of service converge in an effective one-two punch of positive outcomes for our community. We are honored to recognize them and their still growing portfolios of service.”
Prior to transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus at Akron Children’s Hospital in 2018, Bill Considine was one of the longest-tenured hospital chief executives in the country. He is an internationally known advocate for issues affecting children’s health and well-being. During his tenure as president and CEO, the hospital grew into one of the nation’s premier independent, integrated pediatric healthcare delivery systems. The system also comprises the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, a pediatric home care company, school health program, captive insurance entity and charitable foundation.
Bill is a current member and served on the CHA’s Council on Child Advocacy. He served as chairman of the Child Health Corporation of America and was a member of the American Hospital Association’s Maternal Child Health Governing Council. He is the immediate past chairman of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and is also a past chairman of the Children’s Miracle Network Board, serving on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Health Care Payment Innovation, as well as the Ohio Hospital Association’s Task Force on Healthcare Transformation.
Bill continues to serve on the boards of numerous Akron-area community organizations and has been honored by many of these, including the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award in recognition of his many years of community service. In 2014, both the United Way and Akron Children’s Hospital presented Considine with their Distinguished Service Awards. Bill has been honored by his high school alma mater, Archbishop Hoban High School, as well as The University of Akron, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1969.
Throughout his career, Bill has embraced the philosophy of servant above self. He is a steadfast voice for children--as is his wife, Becky. Celebrating 48 years of marriage this year, Becky’s service to the community reflects her personal brand of advocacy and philanthropy.
Becky’s civic activities include endowing the Akron Children’s Research Center, renamed the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, coupled with significant service to Akron Children’s Hospital through the years. She has served in leadership roles within The University of Akron’s Alumni Association, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, The Junior League of Akron, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Child Guidance & Family Solutions, Akron Public Schools, and Archbishop Hoban High School.
Her philanthropic efforts have generated major impact serving as chair of many non-profit events in our community, amounting to thousands of hours of service. Along with an extensive list of service to Children’s, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and the Holiday Tree Festival, she has chaired successful fundraising events for The American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Akron Rotary Camp, Akron Urban League, Akron Zoo, Boys and Girls Club, United Way of Summit County, Women’s Network of Northeast Ohio and has supported events for Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Ohio Ballet, ACCESS Shelter, ADPi and The Junior League. She has served The Salvation Army on its Red Kettle Cabinet.
Sandwiched between raising three children, enjoying twin grandchildren and her civic accomplishments, Becky remains an ardent sports enthusiast. She actively supports The University of Akron’s athletic programs as a Go Zips Fan, the Women’s Basketball Mentorship Program, is founder of the 1968 Women’s Tennis Team, founder of Akron Youth Team Tennis USTA, and is Tennis Champion at Portage Country Club, playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles and winning the Philip F. Franz Memorial Tennis Award in 2017.
“We have Becky Considine to thank for the idea of converting our annual luncheon to a drive-through event with an online component,” said Major Stoops. “Just as The Salvation Army needed to pivot and adjust to meet the sharp increase in demand for food, rent, utility and mortgage assistance with the pandemic, we’re changing our annual fundraising event to a hybrid format--a drive-through meet and greet and an online fundraiser.”
Participants will drive through and pick up their meals while enjoying a parade-like experience on the grounds of St. George’s Fellowship Hall, including a “Red Kettle Avenue” to help get the Red Kettle Campaign off to a strong start. Susan Poe Flowers, 2019 Community Medal honoree, is this year’s event chair.
As an alternative to the drive-through experience, sponsors will have their meals delivered. “Event sponsors benefit by having their banquet delivered to their homes or places of work to host safe, small-group parties, so they can eat and watch the on-demand fundraising event at their convenience,” said Flowers. “Sponsorships include high-profile exposure at the drive through and on demand virtual event and year-round recognition too.”
Event registration will open October 1 at www.SalvationArmyAkron.org. For sponsorship support information, call Marian Calvin, Director of Development, at 330-434-7110 or 330-283-3532.
Donations are always needed to help cover the demand for service during the extended COVID-19 era. To make a donation to assist The Salvation Army of Summit County serve families during this unprecedented time, call 330-958-3751 or visit www.SalvationArmyAkron.org.
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In 2020, The Salvation Army celebrates 136 years in Akron serving the needs of Summit County. Its goals are to interrupt and break the cycle of poverty in our community, enabling economic self-sufficiency and active contribution to the social, economic and spiritual well-being of the community; to serve as a unifying force that is welcomed by, respected by, and able to bring together all elements of our community from those in a position to give to those in a place of need, and to instill hope in all whom we touch, clients or donors. People who come to us for assistance are served according to their need and our capacity to help regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. To donate, or to receive more information about the Salvation Army, please view www.salvationarmyakron.org or call 330-762-8481.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood