Community Involvement

Since 1995, the company has supported the Weaver School Workshop program at its corporate and production facilities. The Weaver School works with the mentally challenged. Several Weaver School students are employed by the company to perform various duties and functions. The company was recognized by the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for this distinguished program and their support towards people with disabilities.
 
 

Akron Canton Regional Food BankThe company is a continuous donor of food to the Akron Canton Food Bank, whose contributions are used to feed the homeless and others less fortunate. The company’s Co-CEO has voluntarily serves as President of this non-profit entity.
 
 

In 1992, the company, along with Akron General’s Women’s Health and Cancer Center, started a charitable program called “Muffins for Mammograms.” This annual weeklong effort raises money for women who cannot afford mammograms along with distribution of life saving breast health information to raise community awareness. Held every October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, muffins, cookies and brownies are baked, packaged and distributed (along with breast cancer information) by the employees of Main Street Gourmet and Akron General Medical Center to members of the business community. To date, this volunteer effort has raised more than $100,000. It has allowed hundreds of women who otherwise could not have afforded mammograms to be screened for breast cancer. In 1994, this program received national recognition as a “Bronze Award” winner by the National Breast Cancer Board and in 2005 it received the Ohio Cancer Control Model Program Award presented by The Ohio Department of Health.
 
 

Steve Marks, Co-CEO and founder of Main Street Gourmet, is also the founder of the Road Runner Akron Marathon. This 501(c)(3) organization was funded by Steve's family to promote health and fitness, create a marquee event for the community and ultimately benefit charitable organizations. This event features a full marathon, two and five person relays, Kids Fun Run, a Health and Fitness Expo and more.

 
 

Main Street Gourmet has supported the efforts of Junior Achievement through participation in its annual Groundhog Shadow Day as well as in-class participation. Several Main Street employees, including Co-CEO Harvey Nelson, teach weekly classes on business related topics. MSG has participated in the JA Bowl-a-thon, as well.
 
 

Since the company was founded, it has continually sponsored numerous other community events, donated its products for many worthy causes and contributed monies to many additional charitable organizations including:

  • Corporate Challenge
  • Harvest for Hunger
  • American Heart Walk
  • Heart to Heart
  • Sponsors of the Ronald McDonald house and Akron Beacon Journals newspaper for a child program.
  • Celebrate the Bounty
  • American Heart Run
  • Deca Competition
  • American Cancer Society
  • Numerous tours for local schools
  • Kids Fair
  • The University of Akron Professor for a Day
  • Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Advisory Board
  • Leadership Akron
  • Toys for Tots
  • Akron Canton Food Bank Foundation Board
  • Feed the Children
  • Haven of Rest
  • The Red Cross
  • Center of Hope