Canton Cares Fund reports $19,000 in 2025 donations, $53,000 balance; funds used for emergency assistance and scholarships

Laura Mortier, recreation and performing arts manager and chair of the Canton Cares Fund board, summarized the fund—s activity and financial position at the meeting. "So far this year, we've received $19,000, in donations," Mortier said, and noted total donations to the fund since 2018 of about $142,000 and a current balance of roughly $53,000.

Mortier said the Canton Cares Fund operates through the Canton Community Foundation as a 501(c)(3) to accept donations that support neighbors in need for disaster relief, scholarships and programming that benefits underserved youth, seniors and therapeutic recreation participants. The committee of seven community volunteers manages fund distribution and also runs two small annual fundraisers; Mortier said the fund received about $2,200 from its most recent road rally and takes a portion of proceeds from the township—s "Brews, Brats and Bands" event.

She described several examples of assistance the fund provided in 2025: emergency utility bill payments to prevent shutoffs, purchase of an emergency evacuation chair for the Block youth and teen center on the third floor of the building, and payment of funeral expenses for a youth who died after a shooting. "We were able to pay for 100% of her funeral costs through this fund," Mortier said.

Mortier listed committee membership by name and role and urged continued support and fundraising; she also noted partnership with the Canton Community Foundation and the Partnership for the Arts for certain initiatives and that grants and donations can be directed to specific line items (police, fire, youth, disaster relief) or left unrestricted.

Trustees thanked Mortier and the committee for their work and for recruiting engaged volunteers.