Together We Thrive: A Look Back at Our 2025 Community Cookout
On a hot summer afternoon, OPEN M’s parking lot was filled with the sounds of laughter, music and connection as more than 200 neighbors gathered for our annual Community Cookout. With over 30 partner organizations, volunteers, families and friends in attendance, the event was a powerful reminder of what community truly looks like when people show up for one another.
Showing Up and Serving Together
The day kicked off with a beautiful opening prayer from Pastor Cindy of Bath United Church of Christ, setting the tone for a day rooted in gratitude and unity. Families enjoyed grilled hot dogs, watermelon, chips and more while kids played basketball, blew bubbles and created chalk art on the sidewalk.
We are especially grateful to the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, whose team not only donated hot dogs and buns but also ran our registration table and served food throughout the event. They spent the entire afternoon with us leading with kindness, service and heart. Their commitment helped ensure the event ran smoothly and that every guest felt welcomed.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Donors and Supporters
We extend our deepest thanks to Ron Paydo and Jennifer Oberg Dostal from Huntington Bank as well as Amy Garcia of Third Federal, who generously donated to our Christmas in July Book and Pajama Drive, bringing joy to the children and families we serve during our Christmas for the Love of Children Program.
Thanks to Buzz and Patty Pelland of the 3R Foundation, we were able to raffle off Metro bus passes. We also raffled off a wide range of prizes including gift cards to Giant Eagle, Target, Sephora and Roblox and even a family membership to the Akron Zoo.
And of course, the event wouldn’t have had the same energy without DJ B Nyce (Kevin Barnett), who kept the vibe lively and fun with music for all ages including an impromptu line dancing session that had everyone moving.
Keeping it Cool, Keeping it Kind
With temperatures soaring Imagine Leadership Academy came through in a big way providing water, mustard and relish to help keep everyone hydrated and our hot dogs tasty. Macedonia United Methodist Church donated and cut fresh watermelon on site in our kitchen. And a longtime volunteer brought his granddaughters and their two friends to help serve food and lend extra hands. It was a multi-generational effort that made all the difference.
Partnering for a Stronger Akron
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible partners. We are honored to work alongside the following organizations:
— A Better U Behavioral Health
— Akron Fire Department
— Akron Summit County Sheriff's Office
— Akron Pregnancy Services
— Signal Akron
— Aspire Employment
— Pastor Cindy and Bath United Church of Christ
— BrightView
— CareSource
— Cleveland Clinic
— College Now Greater Cleveland
— Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center
— Imagine Leadership Academy
— Macedonia United Methodist Church
— Open Arms Adoptions
— Parent and Youth Ambassador Early Childhood
— Project Learn of Summit County
— Pregnancy Solutions
— REACH Opportunity Center (AMHA)
— Third Federal Savings & Loan
— Street Outreach Services
— Truly Reaching You
— United Way of Summit & Medina
— Peter James Behavioral Health
— Early Childhood Resource Center
— Walking with Moms in Need
A True Celebration of Community
What started as a cookout turned into a true celebration of connection, collaboration and care. In every conversation, smile and shared meal we saw the spirit of OPEN M at work, meeting people where they are and building bridges that bring us all forward.
To everyone who attended, supported or shared the day with us, thank you. We’re already looking forward to next year.
This is what community looks like,
This is how we thrive together.
