The Feast of Ideas

Our annual fundraiser gala that celebrates and honors middle schoolers’ voices in the community.

RSVP OR GIVE TODAY! 

 

Details

Employers Health HQ
Thursday, May 8th, 6:30-845pm

4723 Fulton Dr NW
Canton, OH 44718

Dinner catered by Employers Health with a cash bar.
Celebration attire requested.

RSVP by Friday, April 18th.

RSVP or Give today!

Community Champions

Community Champions have been a part of the Feast of Ideas since 2019. They are leaders in the community who have proven to be advocates for middle schoolers. During the Feast, the Community Champions will facilitate the interviews with our middle school Guests of Honor. Community Champions are entrusted with ensuring our Guests of Honor are celebrated, respected, and heard.

 

This Year’s Community Champions:

 

Larry Johnson, Akron Public Schools

Executive Director of Talent & Organizational Development

 

Larry Johnson Jr. is an educational leader who has spent his academic and professional career in Akron Public Schools. With a broad range of experiences as a teacher, principal, founding instructional leader, and district-level administrator, Larry is able to effectively provide innovative leadership and develop unique solutions that benefit ALL students and staff. He is currently the executive director of talent & organizational development where he facilitates and drives professional talent development, recruitment, leadership training and team effectiveness. After graduating from Buchtel High School, Larry earned Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Defiance College and Master of Science in Education from the University of Akron. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education and holds both principal and superintendent licenses.    


Maureen Ater, ArtsinStark
President and CEO

 

Maureen “Mo” Ater is a powerhouse of creativity, leadership, and community spirit. As the President and CEO of ArtsinStark, Mo leads the charge in bringing public art, grant making, and cultural events to life across Stark County. She also oversees the Cultural Center for the Arts and the region’s annual Campaign for the Arts, ensuring creativity continues to thrive in our community. Mo’s journey began with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and English from Ashland University, followed by a Master’s from West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts and Media. She’s held executive leadership roles at Goodwill Industries, The Canton Repository, and United Way of Greater Stark County. Beyond her professional work, Mo is all about giving back. She serves on boards for the YMCA of Central Stark Couty, Stark Education Partnership, Visit Canton, Downtown Canton Partnership, and My Community Health Clinic. 


Community Champion #3
To Be Announced Soon!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is TomTod Ideas?
​We are a youth development nonprofit working to change the conversation about middle schoolers. TomTod empowers middle schoolers to explore and launch ideas that put empathy and imagination into action to help their community thrive. We do this through Classes, Clubs, Camps, and Collabs. All programming is free to middle schoolers and their families, so donations from supporters like you make all this possible. You can learn more about TomTod at tomtodideas.org and by coming to the Feast!

 

Is this only for Canton people?
​Heck no! We work with middle schoolers across Stark and Summit Counties. While this year’s Feast is located in Canton, we welcome guests from all over! 

 

What is the Feast?
The Feast of Ideas is our annual fundraising gala! But it’s also so much more than that. It is a community-wide celebration of middle schoolers. We provide supporters with an exclusive experience to connect with middle schoolers and opportunities to give throughout the night. At the same time, the night centers around middle schoolers. Our Guests of Honor are celebrated and provided the opportunity to share their stories with caring adults (that’s you!).

 

What will happen during the event?
Our Guests of Honor (middle schoolers from recent TomTod programming) will share their experiences alongside Community Champions (adult community leaders who believe middle schoolers matter), and there will be opportunities to give throughout the night. All of this while delighting in a delicious dinner and cash bar, with a few other surprises up our sleeve!

 

Is this a fundraiser?
Yes, indeed! The Feast will feature several opportunities to give or pledge a gift throughout the event. The ticket price reflects the value of a guest’s meal and experience and is not a tax-deductible donation. 

 

What should I wear?
Don’t buy a new dress! Don’t rent a tux! Your investment in middle schoolers is more important to us. We ask that guests wear “Celebration Attire” that you already have in your closet. That being said, you are welcome to peruse photos from past Feasts to get an idea of what guests will wear. 

Don’t buy new, so you can give too!

 

How long should I book my babysitter for?

The event will run from 6:30-8:45pm. Probably 9:00pm to be safe!

 

When is the RSVP deadline?

Please RSVP by Friday, April 18th.

 

I can’t make it. But I still want to support middle schoolers!
We will miss you! Gifts can be made by mailing a check to TomTod Ideas at 439 Market Ave N, Canton, Ohio 44702 or by donating online at givebutter.com/feast2025.

 

Why is there a “tipping” option when I buy a ticket or donate?
It’s kinda weird, we get it. The fundraising platform we use, Givebutter, is free to use; most platforms cost thousands of dollars a year for nonprofits! The way Givebutter is able to operate this way by asking you for a tip. This is completely optional to you and can be adjusted to any level you like. If you have any questions about Givebutter please feel free to reach out.

Sponsors to date

 

To join our sponsor team, email Joel at jdh@tomtodideas.org.

Sponsor Packet

Event Sponsor

 

 

Inspire Sponsors

 

 

 

 

Imagine Sponsors

 

Illuminate Sponsors

 

 

Idea Sponsors

                   

 

                   

        

   

 

                   

 

                   

        

   

Friends of the Feast