2022 Mardi Gras Gala
For the last 50 years, donations made to Victim Assistance Program have directly impacted victims of crime and trauma in Summit County. With the increase in violence in our community over the last year, our service utilization has increased exponentially. The strong support of generous donors like you allows us to continue important services such as 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, and education to thousands of victims and the professionals who serve our community.
On Saturday, March 5, 2022, over 400 guests will join us in reminiscing about the celebratory times at The Tangier while creating new and lasting memories during our annual Mardi Gras Gala. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal, an open bar, and live & silent auctions, while helping us reach our fundraising goal of $150,000. The Quaker Station venue may be new, but our Bourbon Street extravaganza will remain the same lively event as always.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
“Let the good times roll!”
How You Can Help
Become a Sponsor
Various sponsorship levels allow you or your business to showcase your support for Victim Assistance Program. After reviewing the options, determine which level compliments your needs or speak to us about a customized sponsorship.
Donate Items
Our Mardi Gras Committee is on the hunt for online silent and live auction items that will garner high bids! Not only will event attendees be bidding, but the entire community will be trying to outbid each other as well. Specific donated items are being sought to create themed baskets! We think the popularity of your business will boost bids and help us reach our fundraising goal!
Purchase a Program Book Advertisement
Our professionally printed program booklet, viewed by over 400 guests, is a compilation of event details, awardee highlights, bidding instructions, and an abundance of advertisements. Your ad will be seen by government officials, criminal justice professionals, business owners, community members, and social service agencies.
Bernard I. Rosen Community Service Award
Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro
This year, we are honoring Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro as our Bernard I. Rosen Award recipient. She exemplifies all that Bernie stood for and all that VAP strives to uphold in our work. We hope you will join us in gathering for an evening of celebration and reflection, and to recognize and honor one of our most dedicated community members.
Ilene Shapiro became the fifth Summit County Executive in August of 2016. As Executive, Ilene manages a budget of nearly a half billion dollars and nine departments from Community and Economic Development, Finance and Budget to Job and Family Services, Sanitary Sewer Services and the Medical Examiner.
Ilene Shapiro served on Summit County Council for nearly ten years, three of those as Council President. Ilene served on various committees during her tenure on Council, including serving as the Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee for seven years.
Executive Shapiro is an accomplished business leader with a history of successful business ventures for high growth, established, turn-around and start-up organizations and led Shapiro Consulting, which specialized in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Business Planning, Workforce and Economic Development.
Shapiro currently serves as a board member for the Akron Community Foundation, The University of Akron Research Foundation Board, and the County Executives of America Board of Directors. She serves on the Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments and is a member of the Greater Akron Area ATHENA PowerLink governing body. She is an alumnus of both Leadership America and Leadership Akron. She is a past President of the Women’s Network and is a founder of the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation.
In recognition of her distinguished work, Shapiro was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration Women’s Business Advocate for the State of Ohio and the Judith A. Resnick Woman of the Year Award for Inspiration. In 2015, she received the Harold Stubbs Award for Government.
