The Salvation Army in Summit County to honor William Wooldredge with William Booth Award

Ceremony will commence at organization annual Community Medal Award Luncheon on November 6th, 2025

AKRON, OH – On November 6, 2025, The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services will host its annual Community Medal Award Luncheon, honoring two remarkable community leaders whose dedication and compassion exemplify the spirit of service. This event will also serve as the organizations Red Kettle Kickoff to launch the iconic holiday campaign throughout the county.

The Salvation Army will be honoring William “Bill” Wooldredge with The Salvation Army’s highest civic honor, the William Booth Award. This award is given to an individual who best exemplifies life, mission, and ministry of The Salvation Army’s founder, General William Booth. In the history of The Salvation Army in Summit County, this award has only been given 2 previous times.

“As Life Member of The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, co-founder the Hudson Community Foundation, and co-founder of the Hudson City Schools Foundation, Bill Woolredge has worked for decades to help strengthen Summit County. We are proud to have Bills distinguished leadership and vision as he has empowered countless efforts across Summit County and beyond,” stated Captain Bramwell Applin, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Summit County.

In addition to presenting the William Booth Award, The Salvation Army will also be honoring Ebony Yeboah-Amankwah, Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Ethics, Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management at Signet Jewelers and Executive Director of Summit Fresh Mobile Market, with Community Award Medal in recognition of her tireless work addressing local food insecurity and her ongoing impact as a community changemaker.

“We are proud to honor two extraordinary individuals who embody our mission of ‘Doing the Most Good.’. Their compassion, generosity, and dedication to strengthening our community inspire us all.” stated Captain Applin.

This event also officially starts of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, an iconic fundraiser that sustains year-round programs serving nearly 700,000 services to over 59,000 neighbors in need across Summit County. Contributions support critical wrap-around services including:

• Emergency food programs – hot meals, pantry services, drive-thru mass distributions, and emergency disaster relief
• Homelessness prevention and housing stability – rent and utility assistance, hot showers, and clothing
• Early education and enrichment programs – preschool and childcare, afterschool and summer enrichment, music, arts, and youth recreation

“The kettles and bells will now be ringing at some of our communities’ favorite retailers, such as ACME Fresh Markets. With inflation, decreased public funding, and growing local need, community sponsorships and red kettle donations are more crucial than ever to help ensure no family is turned away,” said Applin.

The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services invites local businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor and attend the Red Kettle Kickoff and Community Medal Award Luncheon in celebration of these honorees and in support of this lifesaving mission.
 

For event details on the Community Medal Awards Luncheon including sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, please contact Elizabeth Kargbo, Director of Development, at elizabeth.kargbo@use.salvationarmy.org or 330-434-7110 or visit www.SalvationArmySummit.org.