What is the best career advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I was given was to believe in myself and never give up. This advice came on the basketball court. I was an athlete growing up and was lucky to have the best coach in Stark County who taught me to push myself, practice until I couldn’t anymore and unselfishly work as a team player. These skills and lessons have shaped my work ethic.
Mark J. Samolczyk knew it was time he and his family returned to the United States and Stark County when his two daughters–Grace, then 7, and Kate, then 5–thought “O Canada” was their native national anthem.
The First Tee of Canton hosted an open house in August to celebrate 15 years as a youth development nonprofit program in Stark County. This year, the Deuble Learning Center was updated, and a maintenance facility was built.
But the strength of Stark County and its citizens always has stemmed from something greater than the almighty pigskin. Philanthropy—doing the most good for the most people—is the foundation of any growing, vibrant community.
Ask Mark Samolczyk to define himself, and he will tell you he is a team player, collaborator, socially and fiscally conservative, thoughtful and community-minded. Ask him to define himself at home, and the answer is much shorter. “A private person.”
George Lemon may be “retired,” but he’s one to watch now more than ever.
Spring Donor Gathering, Stark Community Foundation
Helping at-risk women and children is the intention of The Women’s Fund, a permanent endowment of the Stark Community Foundation. The Women’s Fund aims to increase funding for programs that advance the economic, educational, physical, emotional, social, artistic and personal growth of women — while also educating and inspiring women to become leaders in philanthropy.
I enjoy helping others. I think that my parents encouraged that when I was young, growing up in a rural area, being a good neighbor was just part of life.
“Investing in our Community,” Stark Community Foundation Annual Meeting
