William Considine, Christopher Richardson honored with awards

Torchbearers will host its 16th Annual Anniversary Celebration Thursday, Feb. 21, at The Tangier, 532 W. Market St. The organization’s Sweet 16! themed event will feature a state-of-the-organization address from Torchbearers President Samantha Coldwell, who will highlight the group’s work and impact within the local community.
“This annual event provides Torchbearers the opportunity to showcase the work our membership has undertaken on behalf of the community over the past year and share our strategic efforts for the year ahead,” said Coldwell. “This is a true celebration of the power of community and we look forward to sharing this evening with greater Akron.”

recognized as the 2018 recipient of the Read Family Friend of Young Leaders
Award at Torchbearers’ Annual Anniversary Celebration Feb. 21.
This year’s event will honor William H. Considine, CEO Emeritus of Akron Children’s Hospital, as the Read Family Friend of Young Leaders Award recipient. Considine is being recognized for being a dedicated steward of the Akron community and its young professionals. He has demonstrated support for education, career development and leadership engagement of young leaders, continuously pushing them to reach their full potential.
“Mentoring young people to assume leadership roles in our community is vitally important,” said Considine. “Torchbearers and other organizations play a critical role, but so do all of us currently in leadership roles. Identifying and nurturing talent will ensure our organizations and communities stay strong and continue to grow and attract the best and the brightest.”

Torchbearers Class of 2011, will be recognized as the 2018 recipient of the
Distinguished Alumni Award at Torchbearers’ Annual Anniversary Celebration Feb. 21.
Christopher Richardson, CEO of AxessPointe Community Health Centers and Torchbearers Class of 2011, will also be honored at the event for the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes a Torchbearers alumnus who has used the skills and connections acquired through their Torchbearers experience to actively and significantly assist young leaders in realizing their full leadership potential.
“Being a Torchbearer has allowed me to enhance my skills and become an impactful, servant leader in this community,” said Richardson. “John Maxwell said, ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’ Torchbearers played a key role both in instilling these leadership values and being with me on this path; and this has helped define my mission to be a catalyst for helping create and develop the future leaders of tomorrow.”
Akron Children’s Hospital is the event’s presenting sponsor. Networking begins at 5 p.m.; the program starts at 6 p.m. For info regarding tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit TorchbearersAkron.com/rsvp.