Summa Health Giving Societies

Summa Health acknowledges the inspiring generosity and loyalty of its donors with recognition societies at every giving level. 

Cornell Society members receive a silver plated cow sculpture. This symbol of exceptional philanthropy at Summa dates back to the late nineteenth century, when employees at Buckeye Mower and Reaper Works pooled their resources to donate a dairy cow to provide milk and cream for hospital patients.

Thomas W. Cornell Philanthropic Leadership Society

The Thomas W. Cornell Philanthropic Leadership Society is Summa Health’s most prestigious giving society. Named in honor of the first president of Akron City Hospital’s board of trustees and a founding benefactor, the Cornell Society recognizes individuals, organizations and corporations for cumulative giving of $1 million or more.

In honor of their extraordinary commitment to Summa, Cornell Society members receive a silver plated cow sculpture. This symbol of exceptional philanthropy at Summa dates back to the late nineteenth century, when employees at Buckeye Mower and Reaper Works pooled their resources to donate a dairy cow to provide milk and cream for hospital patients.

O.C. Barber Benefactor Society

Named in honor of Akron City Hospital’s first president and one its founding philanthropists, the O.C. Barber Benefactor Society recognizes donors for their generous cumulative giving in the following categories:

$500,000 - $999,999 — Founder
$250,000 - $499,999 — Cornerstone
$100,000 - $249,999 — Catalyst
$25,000 - $99,999 — Champion

Charles Deering Legacy Society

Individuals and families who include Summa Health in their wills or estate plans or have arranged an endowment gift of $50,000 and above are honored through membership in the Charles Deering Legacy Society, named for the local industrialist whose significant bequest in 1914 led to the founding of Summa St. Thomas Hospital. 

The Circle of Women's Health Philanthropists

In 2014, a notable group of local women launched a new initiative — The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists. The group is comprised of female executives, professionals and philanthropists who make a personal annual gift of $2,500. Circle members review a “Wish List” of needs from the Summa Women’s Health Institute and vote on an item to collectively fund each year.

Benefits of membership are unique to The Circle and include invitations to annual events, exclusive networking opportunities, ongoing information about women’s health programs at Summa Health, and a bracelet with a commemorative charm for each year of membership. The most significant benefit is The Circle’s capacity to positively impact women’s health through collaborative decision-making and goal-oriented investment by members.

For more information on The Circle of Women’s Philanthropists, please contact the Summa Foundation office at 330.375.3159 or visit here.

Summa Signature Society for Annual Giving

Summa Signature Society for Annual Giving is a special community of generous donors that includes individuals and families who support the mission, vision and goals of Summa through annual leadership gifts of $1,000 or more, and corporations, associations and foundations who give $5,000 or more each year.