This Thursday, we’re headed to Mentor Public Library to host the first of two events in our Fred Talks series focused on our support in Lake and Geauga counties.

For 25 years, the Cleveland Foundation has worked with our donors to enhance the lives of residents in Lake and Geauga counties, providing more than $32.8 million in grants. In December 2015, our board of directors reiterated our commitment to Lake and Geauga counties by approving an enhanced process for grantmaking across our entire three-county footprint.

On Thursday, April 21, we’ll be in Mentor for Fred Talks: Cleveland Foundation in Lake County. Spence Kline, CEO of Beacon Health, will moderate this Fred Talk featuring Cleveland Foundation President & CEO Ronn Richard in a conversation about the Cleveland Foundation’s long-standing commitment to Lake County.

On Wednesday, April 27, we’ll be in Burton for Fred Talks: Cleveland Foundation in Geauga County. At this event, Kimm Leininger, executive director of United Way Services of Geauga County, will moderate a conversation with Cleveland Foundation Executive Vice President Bob Eckardt focused on the foundation’s long history of support in Geauga County.

At both events, the Fred Talks program will be followed by a “Fred Thinks” breakout session, where attendees will be invited to define community priorities in six topic areas: Education & Youth Development, Environment, Health, Housing & Neighborhoods, Inclusion: Population & Demographics and Jobs & Economy. All ideas and priorities generated in the breakout sessions will be shared with Cleveland Foundation staff, as guideposts for future grantmaking needs across our three-county footprint.

Registration is still open for both events and we invite you to join us! Visit our Fred Talks page for more information and links to registration. Stay tuned – we’ll be posting recaps of the events here soon.