Join us for An Evening to Remember!

Event Details

Project GRAD Akron is celebrating our 20^th year of providing programs, services, and scholarships to benefit students in the Akron Public Schools. To celebrate this milestone occasion, we hope that you will join us for “An Evening to Remember” on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron, Ohio. The committee has been planning a wonderful evening to capture the important work that we have been doing to support students and families in the Akron Public Schools.

The Gala will include valet parking, a reception, dinner, Champions of GRAD awards, a keynote speaker, silent and oral auctions, raffles, desserts, dancing, and so much more! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with registration; 6:00 p.m. – Reception including auctions and raffles; 7:00 p.m. – Program begins with dinner. Desserts and dancing will conclude the evening.

We are excited to announce that the first $50,000 of the Gala’s net proceeds will support scholarships for students we serve at Buchtel and East in the Akron Public Schools, and the additional revenue will support our programs and services for students from kindergarten through college. We hope that we can count on your support!

It is not too late to become a sponsor, purchase advertisements, make a donation, purchase tickets, or to the support the Gala and Project GRAD Akron! For additional information, please call 330-761-3113 or email info@projectgradakron.org. You don't want to miss "An Evening to Remember!" Thank you for your support!

Purchase Tickets

🎓 Keynote Speaker

The Honorable Maureen O'Connor

Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court

Maureen O’Connor is the tenth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, the first woman to lead the state judicial branch of government, a Cleveland-Marshall School of Law graduate, and a member of the Cleveland-Marshall Hall of Fame. She is the longest-serving statewide elected woman in Ohio history.

"We are so pleased that Chief Justice O'Connor is returning to Akron to serve as our keynote speaker. Many people know her for her leadership in the greater Akron community when she served as an attorney, a Magistrate, Judge, and the Summit County Prosecutor. As a dedicated community servant, she has brought her visionary leadership to the Supreme Court of Ohio and has made lasting impact. We are looking forward to her keynote address." said Jacqueline Silas-Butler, Executive Director of Project GRAD Akron.

Learn more about Justice Maureen O'Connor here.

🎓 Champions of GRAD Honorees

As we celebrate our 20 Years of Success,

the 2022 Champions of GRAD Honorees

all reflect different aspects of our tremendous journey.

They truly understand that Graduation Really Achieves Dreams!

Please join us in congratulating the honorees:

Leon Bibb

Laurie Curfman

Curtis Eaton, Jr.

Mary Outley

Dr. Sylvester Small

The University of Akron School of Social Work

Honorary Chairpersons

Our Honorary Chairpersons are Christine Fowler-Mack and Dr. David James, the current and immediate past Superintendents of the Akron Public Schools, respectively.

🎓 Stay Tuned for our Online Auction!

Project GRAD Akron is thrilled with the generous donations of auction items for our Gala! The Auction Committee has been working overtime to bring you many incredible items, which include jewelry, artwork, trips, collectibles, various experiences, sports tickets, goods, services, merchandise, and so much more! We look forward to sharing it with you! The online auction goes live on October 1st! Stay tuned for our updates!

🎓 Raffles - Toast to Luck and Dollars for Scholars!

"Toast to Luck" Lottery Raffle

Each year for Project GRAD Akron's Achieving Dreams Celebration Gala, we have an amazing Lottery Raffle that includes over 250 lottery tickets. This year's Lottery Raffle theme is "Toast to Luck!" The lucky winner will receive the display, including all of the tickets, and some additional surprises! You must be 18 years or older to enter. You do not need to be present to win.

"Dollars for Scholars" 50/50 Raffle

A maximum of 200 tickets will be sold at $20.00 each for a maximum amount of $4,000.00. The winner will receive 50% of the proceeds (maximum of $2,000.00) and Project GRAD Akron will receive 50% of the proceeds (maximum of $2,000.00) to benefit the PGA Scholarship Fund. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

You do not need to be present to win.

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Purchase 50/50 Tickets