On the evening of September 24th, leaders from across Portage County will gather to recognize and celebrate some of Portage County’s best and brightest. The 12th Annual Celebrate Portage! gala event takes place at the New Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (4211 OH-44) in Rootstown.
The ticketed event, which takes place from 5 – 8 pm, will include entertainment, dinner, and awards, and provide the opportunity to network with some of the County’s esteemed and celebrated individuals.
This year’s Great Achievement Award winners David and Janet Dix will be honored for their many contributions to Portage County. From the helm of the Record-Courier, to support of programs at Kent State University, the Portage County Foundation, Portage County NAACP, and the United Way of Portage County, this esteemed couple have strived to make a positive impact on their community.
Next, the Community Hero Award nominees include: Kevin Hockett, Sarah Isler, Jeff Ingram, Crystal Matthews, Tom Mingano, Terry Montz, Jordan Ray, and Heidi Weisel. This award recognizes an individual whose courage, strength and self-sacrifice benefits people who may never know them by name, but who will reap the rewards of their work.
The Community Improvement Award helps to reveal and enhance the underlying identity of a community in Portage County. This year’s nominees include Leighton Amphitheater and Streetsboro Splash Pad.
The Community Service Award recognizes programs or initiatives in Portage County that have demonstrated an action in the community, involving community members – young people, adults and families – coming together to work on a common interest or community need. Community Service Award nominees include: 100 Women Who Care, Guido’s Pizza & Sam Cipriano, Hands of Gratitude, Rootstown Cemetery, and Various Veterans Projects.
The Employee of the Year Award recognizes an individual in Portage County whose exemplary service in the completion of their everyday duties benefits their employer and people in our community who may never know them by name, but who will reap the rewards of their work. Candidates for Employee of the Year include: Chelsea Gregor, Jason Wolboldt, and Angela Young.
The Youth Initiative Award recognizes school youth or community youth organization programs that have developed, implemented or led innovative programs of external engagement with community stakeholders. Candidates include: 3rd Grade Student Council, and Kent Youth & Middle School Field Hockey.
Lastly, but certainly not least, the Health Initiative Award recognizes programs or initiatives in Portage County that have been developed and implemented and demonstrate an effort to build better systems to provide all people the tools they need to reach their full potential for health and wellness. 2026 nominees include Heart Health in Portage County, Portage County Pride Fund, and the Thrive Together Farmers Market.
If your company or organization would like to donate a raffle basket, reach out to celebrateportage@gmail.com. Proceeds from the raffle basket silent auction will support the 2027 Celebrate Portage event. Visit Celebrateportage.org for more information or to purchase individual tickets or for a table for your organization.
