VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC ADVENTURES
Anne Graffice joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in May 2016 as the Vice President of Development & Strategic Adventures.
In her role, she heads development and engagement for the Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, a nearly $1 billion mixed used development project underway on the Hall’s campus. Graffice is an integral member of the team that is building the capital stack and securing financing for the project.
She leads the development of programming for The Center for EXCELLENCE, a key component of Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, that will feature a corporate management program, coaching academy, and institute of integrity for officiating, a transition center for both military and NFL veterans, and a foundational character education platform for coaches, youth and parents through “A Game for Life Academy.” Graffice is responsible for vetting, beta testing, and implementing long-term initiatives that will produce sustainable revenue streams and a profit model for Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village.
Graffice is the Hall of Fame’s primary representative on all aspects related to corporate and community relations. She oversees diversity programs and policies to align with the Hall of Fame’s mission to “Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE!” She is also leading the creation of “Hall of Fame University,” a foundational culture training program for all team members, volunteers, and vendors at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village which is projected to swell by 15,000 over the next three years. Additionally, she is a member of the Hall of Fame’s National Fundraising Committee that oversees major gifts, annual giving and planned giving.
Prior to joining the Hall of Fame’s leadership team, Graffice served as the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at the University of Mount Union, a private, liberal art college with 2,200 undergraduate students, 150 faculty, $52 million budget and $150 million endowment. She helped the university secure $25 million cash through an 18-month campaign for the construction of a new Health Sciences facility and a renovated and expanded Performing Arts Center. This drive came just one year after accomplishing an $85 million campaign.
Graffice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Mount Union College and Master of Business Administration with a Leadership Concentration from Tiffin University. The Alliance, Ohio native spent nearly a decade in the finance industry as a stockbroker, focusing on wealth management and long-term retirement planning.
Since 2014, she has served as the Board Chairman of the Stark County Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitCanton), leading an effort to restructure the organization to better lead economic development for the region through tourism. She also sits on the Boards of the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter, Alliance Chamber of Commerce and St. Thomas Aquinas Board of Directors, and is a volunteer at the Alliance Food Pantry.
Graffice, a self-described optimist, believes in developing strong servant leadership cultures within organizations to create dynamic growth and results.
Graffice and her husband, Jeff, live in Alliance, Ohio and are the proud parents of two daughters.
THANK YOU Canton Rotarians 2018 Hall of Fame Marathon Run-Raiser raised $1,325.46 Written by Suzette Matthews
THANK YOU ROTARIANS—you raised $1,325.46 to fill 530 Backpacks for kids in our community who are food insecure.
On a brisk (35 degrees), but sunny, Sunday, April 29, 2018, Past President Denny Fulmer ran the ½ marathon, Raquel Raderchak ran on a relay team, and I, Suzette Matthews, ran the full 2018 Hall Of Fame Marathon (Canton, Ohio). We dedicated our runs to local kids in need. It is definitely a cause worth running for and raising funds to support. We were proud to represent our club and the kids.
From the bottom of our hearts (and soles), please know how much your generosity and kindness are appreciated and needed. Thank you so much for caring, donating money, supporting our runs, and for making a difference in our own community.
We are looking for an individual who would like to be the Greeter Leader for the June 2018 Rotary meetings. The greeter leader would then ask 3 to 4 other Rotarians to help you greet members and guests during the June Rotary meeting. If you would be willing to volunteer, please notify the Rotary office at (330) 452-2882. Thank you.
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" card from Rotarian Kim Kroh in regards to the Paul Harris Fellow she received on April 20, 2018. Kim writes:
"Dear Rotary Angels, Thank you so much for your very generous contribution allowing me to receive the Paul Harris Fellow recognition! I was beyond shocked, as you can imagine, and was certain there was an error somewhere. I was calling the office that following Monday to seek clarification but my father ran into Dave Ewing. This is how I discovered it was the Rotary Angels!! I called Dave Monday morning and via voicemails learned that the Angels want to remain anonymous.
Your generosity has motivated me to make a commitment to give generously to the foundation going forward!! Gratefully, Kim"
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" letter from Mrs. Mary Schumacher, wife of deceased Rotarian John Schumacher, regarding her invitation to the Special Spouse recognition luncheon on April 27, 2018. Mary writes:
"Dear Amanda, Thank you for including me in the lovely luncheon to honor John's memory. I truly enjoyed being with many old friends and meeting all the Board. Thanks again. Mary Stires Schumacher"
The following Rotarians have perfect attendance THROUGH APRIL 30th for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. If you do not see your name on this list, it is not too late for you to achieve this goal as well! Contact the Rotary office at (330) 452-2882 to find out how many makeups you would need.
Jack Barkan, Mark Clendenin, Tom Clevenger, Dave Ewing, Steve Fettman, Dan Fuline, Bruce Hale, Dale Holwick, Bill Maddox, Bob Matthews, Dan Matthews, Suzette Matthews, Michelle Mullaly, Virginia Neutzling, Jerry Ortman, Bob Pattison, Drew Pelger, Don Peterson, Tony Pierce, Larry Pitts, Mark Rojek, Rob Roland, Dave Schrade, Tom Sinclair, Amanda Tietze, Paul White and Craig Young.
The following Rotarians would need five or less makeups (Through April 30th) to cover the meetings they have missed this 2017-2018 Rotary year:
David Beule, Frank Fleischer, Lynn Hamilton, Phil Lattavo, James Molnar, Ernie Schott, Jeff Scott, Bill Sparks, and Rick Taylor.
The 2nd Annual “Uneventful” Raffle is here! Don’t miss out on your chance to win fabulous prizes. Grand prize is $500 cash! This low-maintenance fundraiser can bring in several thousand dollars to the club with minimal effort. All members need to do is sell tickets to family, friends and co-workers!
Tickets are available for $25. Members may take as many as they think they can sell. Winners do not have to be present to win.
The THIRD Drawing will be this Friday. We will hold drawings during our regular Friday meetings. Winners will be drawn each week and shown live on Facebook. The final “unevent” will take place on May 18 at the regular Rotary meeting.
Thank you to the Rotarians who stepped up and donated prizes to help make our event more successful!
Week 1 Prizes were awarded to the following:
Gift Certificate to Scott Talbot Salonspa ($50 value) - winner BILL LIBER Young Truck Sales Cooler filled with 18 craft beers (max value $50)- winner KEVIN HERAGHTY
Giant Eagle Gift Card ($50 value) - winner JOE NIAMTU Longhorn/Olive Garden Gift Card ($50 value) winner RICK TAYLOR Dioguardi’s Gift Card ($50 value) winner ERNIE SCHOTT 91.3 FM Swag Bag ($50 value) winner BILL LIBER
Week 2 Prizes were awarded to the following:
Canton Brewing Company Gift Card ($50 value) winner Gary Mull Kozmo’s Gift Card ($50 value) winner Bill Maddox Handmade Jewelry by Paula Mastroianni ($65 value) winner Nick Perini Wine basket, 3 bottles of wine plus accessories ($70 value) winner Bill Maddox Hall of Fame Football Store Gift Certificate ($75 value) winner Bill Sparks 1 quart of ice cream per month for a year ($78 value) winner Nick Perini
Week 3 Prizes will be awarded THIS FRIDAY, May 11th: 1 pound of meat per month for a year ($84 value) from Kennedy’s Davies Drugs gift basket and gift card ($100 value) from Davies Drugs Amazon Gift Card ($100 value) from Amanda Berkeley Gift Bag from Canton City School Bulldogs ($100 value) from Canton City Schools Lowe’s Gift Card ($100 value) from Wallace Forge 2 tickets to Dave Matthews at Blossom ($120 value) from Q92
Week 4 Prizes: Air Conditioner Check ($125 value) from Miracle Plumbing Skating Party for 10 ($200 value) from Center Ice Men’s Titanium Diver’s Watch ($375 value) from Julz 6 month family YMCA Regional Membership ($423 value) from Eric Snow YMCA $500 in cash
At the weekly meeting on Friday, May 4, 2018, President Amanda Tietze welcomed the 60 members and 32 guests to the meeting. President Amanda asked everyone to keep Rotarian Bob Myers in their thoughts and prayers. Bob is recovering from surgery. She reminded everyone to please sign the get well card for Bob on their way out, if they had not already done so.
Two of our Rotary Scouts led the members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rotarian Bruce Schorsten gave the Invocation. Rotarian Theresa Blocher gave the Rotofact announcement.
President Amanda then asked everyone with a May birthday to please stand and be recognized. Rotarian Chris Burt was thanked for the outstanding speakers he brought in for the April meetings.
Secretary Suzette Matthews welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Mayor Thomas Bernabei (speaker); Tammy Diener (guest of speaker); Mindy Fankhauser and Dan Nesbitt (Buckeye Council BSA); Rotary Scouts, and their teachers and helpers (guests of the Club).
The "Happy News" was provided by the following:
Julia Dick - to give a huge THANK YOU to Rotarians, businesses and volunteers for their amazing support of the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon;
Justin Candea - to promote the Akron Rotary's Bicycling Fundraiser on July 28, 2018;
Theresa Blocher - to announce that the young lady from Plain Township that had gone missing was found at a bus stop in Cleveland;
Bruce Hale - to celebrate the planting of 60 trees by Drukenbrod Nursery last weekend in honor of Arbor Day;
Tony Pierce - to celebrate the Interact "IF" $1,000 Scholarship opportunity and event that he and Rotarian Bill Griffing attended. (*Editor's Note - There were four scholarships awarded)
PP Virginia Neutzling - to give "Kudos" to Rotarians and all runners who ran the 2018 HOF Marathon last weekend;
- She also recognized PP Scott Sandrock for his passion and leadership for the Rotary Scouts Program - the longest running Canton Rotary program still in existence;
Bruce Schorsten - to congratulate Suzette Matthews for running the 2018 HOF Marathon to raise funds for the "Pack the Bus" Run-raiser event;
- He also recognized the 1970 Kent State University tragedy, where 4 students were killed and 9 wounded. An event was to be held at KSU that evening (5/4/18), in remembrance of the event;
Vice President Mark Rojek - to thank all involved with the Health Screen & Wellness Fair held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Mercy Medical. The committee and Rotarian volunteers worked hard to make sure this year's event was the best yet;
President Amanda Tietze - to share her experience in transporting our foreign Exchange Student, Sara Baldoni, to East Palenstine for Prom;
Tim Franta - to hope for a "sweep" for the Cavaliers over Toronto, as well as a "sweep" for the Cleveland Indians over the New York Yankees;
Secretary Suzette Matthews - to congratulate Denny Fulmer for running the 2018 HOF 1/2 Marathon and Raquel Raderchak for running the Team Relay, in support for the "Pack the Bus" Run-raiser event. Great running Denny and Raquel!
- She also wanted to give a huge "Kudos" to Rotarian Julia Dick and Jim Chaney (HOF Marathon Executive Director who was our speaker on April 6th) and the whole 2018 HOF Marathon Committee, volunteers and organization who pulled off the BEST Marathon ever!
Raffle Committee Chair Drew Pelger, with the assistance of Vice President Mark Rojek, pulled the second week raffle prize tickets (*See story above for winners);
President Amanda welcomed the Rotary Scouts from Dueber, Allen and Cedar Schools, along with their teachers, helpers and the Buckeye Council Representatives;
May Speaker Chair Don Peterson introduced Mayor Thomas Bernabei. The Mayor spoke on Issue 13 and the most frequently asked questions pertaining to this Issue.
President Amanda concluded the meeting with the following announcements:
next week's speaker will be Anne Graffice - Vice President of Development and Strategic Adventures for the Pro Football HOF on "Development at the HOF";
the May 18th meeting will be OFFSITE at the Canton Museum of Art (Thanks to Rotarian Max Barton for providing the facility);
reminders to purchase Unevent raffle tickets and sign the get-well card for Rotarian Bob Myers;
District Conference will take place on May 10 -11;
reminder for Board members to stay after for a special meeting.
The following Rotarian turned in a makeup on Friday: Bill Maddox (Perry).
The following Board of Directors will receive a makeup for attending a special Board meeting on Friday, May 4, 2018: President Amanda Tietze, Vice President Mark Rojek, Secretary Suzette Matthews, Sergeant-at-Arms Robert Matthews, Parliamentarian Bob Pattison, Asst. Parliamentarian Dave Ewing, Trustees: Bruce Schorsten, Frank Fleischer, Kurt Goodenberger, Steve Fettman, Bill Liber, Bruce Hale and Don Peterson.
Anne Graffice joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in May 2016 as the Vice President of Development & Strategic Adventures.
On a brisk (35 degrees), but sunny, Sunday, April 29, 2018, Past President Denny Fulmer ran the ½ marathon, Raquel Raderchak ran on a relay team, and I, Suzette Matthews, ran
the full 2018 Hall Of Fame Marathon (Canton, Ohio). We dedicated our runs to local kids in need. It is definitely a cause worth running for and raising funds to support. We were proud to represent our club and the kids.
We are looking for an individual who would like to be the Greeter Leader for the June 2018 Rotary meetings. The greeter leader would then ask 3 to 4 other Rotarians to help you greet members and guests during the June Rotary meeting. If you would be willing to volunteer, please notify the Rotary office at (330) 452-2882. Thank you..jpg)
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" card from Rotarian Kim Kroh in regards to the Paul Harris Fellow she received on April 20, 2018. Kim writes:.jpg)
The Rotary office received a "Thank You" letter from Mrs. Mary Schumacher, wife of deceased Rotarian John Schumacher, regarding her invitation to the Special Spouse recognition luncheon on April 27, 2018. Mary writes:.png)
The following Rotarians have perfect attendance THROUGH APRIL 30th for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. If you do not see your name on this list, it is not too late for you to achieve this goal as well! Contact the Rotary office at (330) 452-2882 to find out how many makeups you would need.
.jpg)
At the weekly meeting on Friday, May 4, 2018, President Amanda Tietze welcomed the 60 members and 32 guests to the meeting. President Amanda asked everyone to keep Rotarian Bob Myers in their thoughts and prayers. Bob is recovering from surgery. She reminded everyone to please sign the get well card for Bob on their way out, if they had not already done so.
