Introducing the 2020 OPEN M Gala Honorary Chairs
AKRON, OH, August 3, 2020—OPEN M is pleased to announce Nick & Cindy Browning as Honorary Chairs for the virtual OPEN M Gala honoring the unsung heroes of OPEN M on Friday, September 11, 2020. The Browning’s generosity and endless care has touched the lives of many including the hearts of the OPEN M community.
The Brownings were chosen as Honorary Chairs because of their many years of dedicated service to OPEN M. Their values embody the generosity and servant spirit OPEN M was built upon.
“OPEN M is grateful to have Nick and Cindy Browning serve as Honorary Chairs for our Gala,” said Christine Curry, OPEN M CEO.
“We are blessed to have them as dedicated advocates taking the lead to encourage members of the Greater Akron Community and Summit County to help us provide support to the growing number of individuals and families who need our help.”
Guests will arrive at St. George Family Center at 6:30 p.m. for an OPEN M Watch Party or view the program online from home. OPEN M Watch Party tickets are limited due to COVID-19 and expected to sell out quickly. All guests will have the opportunity to watch the program, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, bid on silent auction items, purchase adventurous raffle tickets and enjoy a night of entertainment and fun from wherever they choose. Virtual guests will have the choice of a dinner delivery or they may donate the cost of their dinner back to the OPEN M Food Pantry.
“It is an absolute privilege to serve as Honorary Chairs for the 2020 OPEN M Gala. Cindy and I both feel strongly about the mission of OPEN M,” said Nick Browning.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time getting to know the passionate volunteers, staff, Board and supporters of this organization, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone whether it be at the OPEN M Watch Party or from home,” added Cindy Browning.
The annual fundraiser will go towards supporting the mission of OPEN M to provide pathways out of poverty in Summit County. Purchasing tickets or sponsorship to the OPEN M Gala allows OPEN M to carry out its mission throughout the year.
Tickets for the 2020 Virtual Gala are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.openm.givesmart.com. For more information on how you or your company can become involved, visit www.openm.org/2020gala/ or contact Jess Rist, Development Manager, at j.rist@openm.org or via phone at 330-434-0110 ext. 409.
About Nick Browning
Nicholas Browning is president of Huntington’s Akron Region.
Browning joined Huntington in 2016 following the merger of FirstMerit into the company. While at FirstMerit, he served as executive vice president, Akron president and CEO and was responsible for coordinating the activities of retail, wealth and commercial banking for the Akron Region, with direct responsibility for all aspects of Akron commercial banking. In addition, he was a member of the FirstMerit Bank, N.A. board of directors and executive committee. Prior to joining FirstMerit, Browning was a commercial banker with Ameritrust Bank and NCNB, where he began his banking career.
Browning earned his MBA from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and marketing from the University of South Carolina. He is a trustee for the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Akron, Summa Health System Hospitals, Akron Community Foundation, Sisler McFawn Foundation, Summit Education Initiative, United Way of Summit County and Downtown Akron Partnership, and a member of the University of Akron College of Business Advancement Council. He was 2012 campaign chair for United Way of Summit County/Red Cross Campaign and is past board president of United Disability Services and Greenleaf Family Center.
About Cindy Browning
Cindy Browning is a dedicated community volunteer, having retired from Summa Health in 2017. During her 35-year nursing career, Cindy specialized in home health and hospice care. Her passion for hospice continues as a volunteer for Hospice of Summa, and through her work for Grace House Akron, where she is the volunteer coordinator and serves on the capital and policy committees. Cindy also serves on the Humane Society of Summit County Board and enjoys volunteering at the First Congregational Church of Akron’s food pantry. Past volunteer work includes Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Hudson United Methodist Church and Open M. Cindy earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of South Carolina and holds a master’s degree in nursing from Walden University. Cindy and her husband, Nick, live in Akron with their two quirky, rescued dogs and have three adult children.