New Work City Foundation to Host Third Annual Taste of North Canton

There's more to the Taste of North Canton than good food — of course, that's the main highlight — but, there's also a true philanthropic spirit behind the event.

For those of you who've never been, the Taste of North Canton  brings restaurants and vendors from all over North Canton and invites the community to mingle, meet new people, see old faces and sample some delicious food from our local restaurants.

The event came to life because  of an idea to create more jobs in Stark County.

Vicki Stanley, owner of two North Canton businesses, American Medical Personnel and ChoreChaser, saw a need and knew she had to do something.

"Do you remember when Hoover closed down and how it affected the whole city?" Stanley said. "A huge depression fell over the city. It broke my heart."

Stanley got together with some people and formed an all-volunteer board to start the New Work City Foundation with a mission to create jobs that improve the Stark County community.

"The premise is simple," Stanley said. "Have fun, raise money and give it back to the community." 

All New Work City Foundation's events are to raise money for local businesses, while bringing the community together for a common purpose, Stanley said.

This is accomplished through grants and events like the Taste of North Canton. For example, the New Work City Foundation hosts the Taste of North Canton with the goal that all the funds raised will go toward the creation of a job. Events are also hosted to raise funds to help solve a problem or benefit a member of the community.

Local organizations apply for a grant and the chosen organization must match the money raised from the event. All of the funds are used to hire somebody for a "micro-job," Stanley said.

Grant applications are still being accepted for the Taste of North Canton. Anyone who has a business with employees and can match the funds made from the event are invited to apply. Grant applications are available at the New Work's website.

Stanley thinks it's important for the people of North Canton to realize that every bit helps.

"I think many times people wait for someone to come in with a million-dollar check that has 500 jobs," she said. "But small businesses are what make America grow."

"Every little bit helps, and a little goes a long way. Just by attending one of New Work City Foundation's events, you can help put somebody to work," Stanley said.

The New Work City Foundation will host its third annual Taste of North Canton from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m Thursday at the Fairways at Arrowhead. Admission is $7 or two tickets for $10. Kids under 6 have free admission. You will have the opportunity to taste samples from more than 20 local restaurants. Evening entertainment includes  live music by  Band, a cash bar, 50/50 raffle with the grand prize raffle basket drawing at 6:45 p.m.

"The Taste of North Canton's most obvious and direct benefit to the community is that it raises funds to help local businesses hire employees," Stanley said. "Indirectly, the Taste of North Canton benefits the community by bringing together residents in a fun and entertaining atmosphere."

The New Work City Foundation will also host Sunday in the City, a family-friendly art exhibition, June 26 on the square of  North Canton. There will be more than 50 local artists, musicians and performing artists.