Close to 400 guests gather to support opportunity, education, and community connections at the Reach Opportunity Center

AKRON, Ohio — October 14, 2026 — Building for Tomorrow, the nonprofit of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), brought together close to 400 community members for its 12th Annual Reach Higher Breakfast on October 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The event raised more than $59,000 to support programs and opportunities at the Reach Opportunity Center in Summit Lake.

With the theme “Powering Possibility: The Green Light to Greatness,” this year’s breakfast celebrated the power of community investment to help children, adults, and families move forward. Guests embraced the theme by wearing green, filling the room with a colorful expression of support for Reach and its mission.

A highlight of the morning was the recognition of Anthony “Tony” O’Leary, former AMHA executive director, whose leadership helped make the Reach Opportunity Center possible. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes presented O’Leary with a Congressional Recognition honoring his service and lasting contributions to the community.

“Reach represents what is possible when we invest in people and bring partners together around a shared purpose,” said AMHA Executive Director Herman L. Hill. “Tony’s leadership helped lay the foundation for a place where residents can learn, build connections, and pursue their goals. The generosity in the room reminds us that our community is committed to carrying that work forward.”

Emcee Will Blake guided a program that combined community remarks, personal stories, music, and a celebration of O’Leary’s legacy. Hill and Summit County Executive Office offered remarks, while videos highlighted the people and purpose behind Reach.

Among the morning’s meaningful moments, Stacey Parker and her family shared their connection to Reach, bringing a personal perspective to the center’s impact. A special performance by Trust Drum Circles and youth performer Italy showcased the creativity and talent nurtured through opportunities at the center. Hill and Chris Yuhasz led the award presentation honoring O’Leary.

“To be recognized by a community that means so much to me is a tremendous honor,” said O’Leary. “Seeing Reach continue to grow and hearing the stories of the people whose lives it touches is especially meaningful. Its success belongs to the residents, staff, partners, and supporters who continue to believe in what we can accomplish together.”

The Reach Opportunity Center serves approximately 1,200 people annually, connecting residents with educational opportunities, youth enrichment, STEAM learning, workforce resources, and supportive services. Funds raised through the breakfast will help sustain these opportunities and support a welcoming place for learning and community connection.

Building for Tomorrow and AMHA extend heartfelt thanks to the event’s sponsors, donors, community partners, volunteers, and guests. Their generosity, including the continued commitment of sponsors who return year after year, helps turn the breakfast’s message of possibility into meaningful opportunities for residents.

The organizations also recognize the staff members whose planning, hospitality, registration support, and behind-the-scenes work made the event possible.

The morning’s success reflected a shared belief: when a community shows up for its neighbors, it helps create the conditions for people to reach higher.

About Building for Tomorrow
Building for Tomorrow is the nonprofit instrumentality of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. Through fundraising and community partnerships, it supports programs and services that expand opportunities for AMHA residents and strengthen the surrounding community.

Media Contact:
Amina Hall
Director of Communications & Philanthropy
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Amina.Hall@akronhousing.gov