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Children assisted to date!!
Meet The Board
Jim Eckelberry
President & Founder
Jim Eckelberry is an Senior Relationship Manager at Peoples Bank with 30 years of serving the business community in NE Ohio. He holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of Akron and an MBA from John Carroll University. He was recent President of the Board of Northern Ohio Golf Charities and in 2009 he served as Tournament Chairman for the Bridgestone Invitational. Jim has formerly served on many Boards including Weathervane Community Theater, United Way of Summit County, Ronald McDonald House of Akron, Akron Rotary, and is a graduate of Leadership Akron. He resides in Canton, Ohio with his wife Lori and three daughters (two grown and one heavenly).
Lori Eckelberry
Vice President, Founder and Plain Local School Contact
Lori Eckelberry, the proud mother of Kristina, Kaitlyn, and Kortney works as a first grade teacher at Avondale Elementary in Plain Township. She received her Bachelor and Master Degree from the University of Akron and has been employed by Plain Local Schools for the past 29 years. Lori enjoys working with kids and watching them learn and grow. Being a mother has been Lori's biggest reward. She served on the Hoover Softball Booster Club and a leader in Plain Local's Teacher Association.
Carolyn Correll
Treasurer
Carolyn is a CPA and a partner at The Phillips Organization. Carolyn has worked in public accounting for over 30 years, specializing in providing accounting and consulting services for non-profit organizations. Carolyn earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of Akron. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Carolyn is a board member of VETS, Inc. and has volunteered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Carolyn resides in Jackson Township.
John O'Neill
Board Member
John resides in Jackson Township with his wife, Amie. They have two grown children and are members of Saint Michael's parish. John retired as President of PCC Airfoils in 2016 where he was employed for 21 years. John received a Bachelor's Degree in accounting from the University of Akron. He was a CPA for PriceWaterhouse in Cleveland before joining PCC. John has held various leadership roles in several non-profit entities.
Kathy Chufar
Board Member
Kathy was an accountant at Gregory Industries for over 26 years and retired in 2021. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ohio University and obtained her CPA license. Kathy has been treasurer of numerous academic and sports organizations in North Canton and currently volunteers at a local food pantry. Kathy has two grown children and resides in North Canton with her husband, Bob.
Jeff Sponseller
Board Member
Jeff is an Executive Vice President of Miller Weldmaster for over 20 years. Jeff served on the Board of Directors for the Industrial Fabrics Industry as well as the past Chairman of the Jackson Local School Levy initiative. Jeff has held various other leadership roles with non-profits including; Jackson Wrestling Booster Club President, Relay for Life and as a mentor under The Legacy Project of Stark. He has degrees in Engineering and Management. Jeff is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Jeff and his wife Sherry have three children and reside in Jackson Township.
Sherry Sponseller
Board Member and Massillon City School Contact
Sherry Sponseller is a lifelong resident of Stark County, Ohio. She has been an active volunteer in her community with Relay for Life and Amvets Scholarship Fund. Sherry has been a teacher in the Massillon City Schools for over 25 years. She has degrees from The Ohio State University and the University of Akron. Sherry has three children and resides in Jackson Township with her husband.
Amie O'Neill
Board Member and Program Director
Amie is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is active in the non-profit community through her involvement with Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, the ADPi Beta Tau Memorial Fund, All Faith Food Bank in Sarasota, Florida, Children First in Sarasota, Florida, St. Michael's Catholic Church Social Concerns and Catholic Charities. She has also been involved with Blessings in a Backpack, Jackson City Schools, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She resides in Jackson Township with her husband, John.
Danielle Thompson
Secretary
Danielle has been active in the non-profit community in Northeast Ohio for the past 18 years. She currently works for Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation. Danielle has degrees from Miami University and Syracuse University. She resides in Copley, Ohio with her husband and two children. The Thompson family volunteers with Blessings in a Backpack and many Copley Fairlawn school and sports groups.