W3 Financial Group is proud to once again serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Rise & Shine with Kiwanis for Kids, supporting the Kiwanis Club of Akron and Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation in their continued commitment to children and families throughout Greater Akron.
Held on September 17 at the Akron Urban League, the fifth annual Rise & Shine with Kiwanis for Kids brings together local businesses, community leaders, educators and supporters to celebrate the people and organizations making a difference across the Greater Akron community.
“Being part of the communities we serve has always been important to who we are. We believe strong communities are built through relationships, service, and a willingness to invest in the people who will shape their future. That is why supporting the mission of Kiwanis continues to be so meaningful to us,” said Stephen Catalano, Managing Partner of W3 Financial Group.
Recognizing Service and Leadership in Greater Akron
This year’s Rise & Shine event recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and service are creating opportunities for others throughout the community.
The 2026 honorees include PNC Bank, recipient of the Kiwanis Community Advocate Award; Rachel Tecca, recipient of the David James Excellent Educator Award; and Warren Sneed, recipient of the Student Future Leader Award.
The event also celebrates this year’s grant recipients, with more than $9,500 in grants being awarded to Urban Vision, The Vincent House, Victory Gallup, CASA of Summit County and Limitless Ambition.
These grants help support organizations working directly with children, families and individuals throughout the Greater Akron area.
Investing in the Next Generation
Funds raised through Rise & Shine help the Kiwanis Club of Akron maintain and expand its Service Leadership Programs throughout Greater Akron. These programs provide young people with opportunities to serve their communities, build leadership skills and develop meaningful connections through service.
For W3, supporting Rise & Shine reflects a broader commitment to being actively involved in the communities where our team members live and work.
As Catalano shared in his welcome to this year’s attendees, “The work of the Downtown Akron Kiwanis, its volunteers, supporters, and community partners is a powerful example of what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.”
W3 Financial Group is grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Akron, its volunteers, community partners and everyone who helped make the 2026 Rise & Shine with Kiwanis for Kids possible.
Here’s to another year of building a brighter future for the children and families of Greater Akron.
Learn More About Downtown Akron Kiwanis
The impact of Rise & Shine extends beyond one morning. Through service projects, youth leadership programs and partnerships with local organizations, Downtown Akron Kiwanis works throughout the year to support children and strengthen the Greater Akron community.
Learn more about Downtown Akron Kiwanis and how you can get involved.
