The Feast of Ideas
Our annual fundraiser gala that celebrates and honors middle schoolers’ voices in the community.
Details
Employers Health HQ
Thursday, May 8th, 6:30-845pm
4723 Fulton Dr NW
Canton, OH 44718
Dinner catered by Employers Health with a cash bar.
Celebration attire requested.
RSVP by Tuesday, April 22nd.
Community Champions
Community Champions have been a part of the Feast of Ideas since 2019. They are leaders in the community who have proven to be advocates for middle schoolers. During the Feast, the Community Champions will facilitate the interviews with our middle school Guests of Honor. Community Champions are entrusted with ensuring our Guests of Honor are celebrated, respected, and heard.
This Year’s Community Champions:
Executive Director of Talent & Organizational Development
Maureen Ater, ArtsinStark
President and CEO
Maureen “Mo” Ater is a powerhouse of creativity, leadership, and community spirit. As the President and CEO of ArtsinStark, Mo leads the charge in bringing public art, grant making, and cultural events to life across Stark County. She also oversees the Cultural Center for the Arts and the region’s annual Campaign for the Arts, ensuring creativity continues to thrive in our community. Mo’s journey began with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and English from Ashland University, followed by a Master’s from West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts and Media. She’s held executive leadership roles at Goodwill Industries, The Canton Repository, and United Way of Greater Stark County. Beyond her professional work, Mo is all about giving back. She serves on boards for the YMCA of Central Stark Couty, Stark Education Partnership, Visit Canton, Downtown Canton Partnership, and My Community Health Clinic.
Gino Haynes, Canton for All People
Community Organizer
As a leadership strategist at Legacy in Action, a community organizer for Canton for All People, and previously the first African American pastor in Louisville’s history, Gino is deeply rooted in service, equity, and empowerment. His work is grounded in a belief in people’s potential and a passion for neighborhood transformation. Named one of Canton Repository’s “20 Under 40” in 2023, Gino has organized tenant unions, neighborhood block parties, and leadership academies that elevate everyday residents as change-makers. Whether he’s facilitating growth as a GiANT Worldwide’s leadership development consultant or building coalitions across Canton, Gino leads by example—boldly, humbly, and with vision. He holds multiple leadership certifications, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kent State University, and serves on numerous boards, including StarkMHAR’s African American Clergy Advisory Board and the Kingdom Leadership Alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is TomTod Ideas?
We are a youth development nonprofit working to change the conversation about middle schoolers. TomTod empowers middle schoolers to explore and launch ideas that put empathy and imagination into action to help their community thrive. We do this through Classes, Clubs, Camps, and Collabs. All programming is free to middle schoolers and their families, so donations from supporters like you make all this possible. You can learn more about TomTod at tomtodideas.org and by coming to the Feast!
Is this only for Canton people?
Heck no! We work with middle schoolers across Stark and Summit Counties. While this year’s Feast is located in Canton, we welcome guests from all over!
What is the Feast?
The Feast of Ideas is our annual fundraising gala! But it’s also so much more than that. It is a community-wide celebration of middle schoolers. We provide supporters with an exclusive experience to connect with middle schoolers and opportunities to give throughout the night. At the same time, the night centers around middle schoolers. Our Guests of Honor are celebrated and provided the opportunity to share their stories with caring adults (that’s you!).
What will happen during the event?
Our Guests of Honor (middle schoolers from recent TomTod programming) will share their experiences alongside Community Champions (adult community leaders who believe middle schoolers matter), and there will be opportunities to give throughout the night. All of this while delighting in a delicious dinner and cash bar, with a few other surprises up our sleeve!
Is this a fundraiser?
Yes, indeed! The Feast will feature several opportunities to give or pledge a gift throughout the event. The ticket price reflects the value of a guest’s meal and experience and is not a tax-deductible donation.
What should I wear?
Don’t buy a new dress! Don’t rent a tux! Your investment in middle schoolers is more important to us. We ask that guests wear “Celebration Attire” that you already have in your closet. That being said, you are welcome to peruse photos from past Feasts to get an idea of what guests will wear.
Don’t buy new, so you can give too!
How long should I book my babysitter for?
The event will run from 6:30-8:45pm. Probably 9:00pm to be safe!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 22nd.
I can’t make it. But I still want to support middle schoolers!
We will miss you! Gifts can be made by mailing a check to TomTod Ideas at 439 Market Ave N, Canton, Ohio 44702 or by donating online at givebutter.com/feast2025.
Why is there a “tipping” option when I buy a ticket or donate?
It’s kinda weird, we get it. The fundraising platform we use, Givebutter, is free to use; most platforms cost thousands of dollars a year for nonprofits! The way Givebutter is able to operate this way by asking you for a tip. This is completely optional to you and can be adjusted to any level you like. If you have any questions about Givebutter please feel free to reach out.
Sponsors to date
To join our sponsor team, email Joel at jdh@tomtodideas.org.
Event Sponsor
Inspire Sponsors
Imagine Sponsors
Illuminate Sponsors
Idea Sponsors
Friends of the Feast
