About Compassion Delivered
Founded in 2017, Compassion Delivered began when my husband and I recognized a need in our community because we have personally been affected by people in our life who struggle to provide themselves the nutritional needs while dealing and coping with their life threatening illness. We researched organizations around the country and realized this was a service many communities had already been receiving, but not here at home. So we began the journey of forming Compassion Delivered and being able to offer these types of service and support to those in our own community.
We truly believe that an act of kindness, such as a meal can give hope, compassion and strength. We realized that like us, so many people have been touched by a family member or friend who have suffered from life threatening illnesses or diseases and had to choose between nutritious meals or medication. We truly believe that with the right food sustainability program, the body can begin to heal. Food is medicine and we don’t want to see people choosing between medical care or suffer the malnutrition and hunger from their illnesses or diseases.
Our Mission
Compassion Delivered, LLC
Our Mission is to provide nutritional meals to people who are coping with chronic, life-threatening illnesses and disease. We believe that people (men, women, and children) should not have to choose between medical care or suffer the malnutrition and hunger caused by their illnesses or diseases.
Board Members
Amanda Anschutz
Co-Founder/President
Amanda has been a long time resident of Stark County. She and her husband, Daniel have two beautiful daughters and they currently live in North Canton. Amanda brings more than 18 years of leadership, community involvement, customer relations, and marketing experience to the organization. In her career, she has worked with various organizations and fundraisers such as the Jackson/Canton Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, Stark County Planning, Young Professionals of Jackson Township and the Taste of the NFL presented by the Akron Canton Foodbank. She infuses passion and energy to every project and client relationship.
A year ago, she and her husband began discussing what it would look like to form an organization like Compassion Delivered. After months of research, prayer, and consulting they made the discussion a reality and formed Compassion Delivered, a 501c3 non-profit. This isn’t a job to Amanda, this is taking care of people in the most uncertain times they will be facing during this season of their life.
Amanda’s career path has taken her from being a social worker with the Otis R. Bowen Center in Warsaw, Indiana to regional sales manager for the BEARACADE in Hudson Ohio. Amanda attended Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana and majored in Business and Communication with a minor in Social Work and Elementary Education.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to spend time with my husband, daughters, family and friends. During the fall I like to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes! That really is the only sport I’ll watch anymore. I also enjoy meeting new people because I truly believe we have something to learn from one another if we just take time to listen.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by how others live life to the fullest, not afraid of taking a chance on life and making the most of every moment they are given.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I have witnessed firsthand the people who are trying to cope with their illnesses and diseases while trying to make sure their bodies receive the right nutrition and it’s a struggle. At some point, all of us will either be effected by it or know someone who needs Compassion Delivered’s services. We are called to be kind to one another, to help in the time of need and these is the reason we founded Compassion Delivered.
Who is a hero of yours?
My parents: they love unconditionally and I’m grateful that they have been my support and encouragement. Also Princess Diana: Her passion to help others and break down barriers to show compassion and love to those who thought they were unlovable.
What’s something quirky about you?
Most view me as an extrovert but I actually feel that I’m more introverted as I get older. I also don’t like people eating off my plate. I’ve been known to give my plate away if someone does so.
Todd Tolson
Treasurer
Todd is a life-long resident of Stark County. He attended Hoover High school and went to Cleveland State University. Todd has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. He and his wife of 26 years, Rebecca, live in North Canton and have two adult children – Robert and Sarah. Todd is currently the Treasurer of the North Canton City School District, and has led the finances of the district for 16 years. Prior to working for North Canton Schools he has work experience with the Ohio State Auditor’s Office, R. G. Drage Career Center and Stark/Portage Area Computer Consortium. He is also a graduate of the 23rd class of the Leadership Stark County Signature Program.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy doing a lot of things. I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, vacationing, golfing and watching the Cleveland Browns.
What inspires you?
Having the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to be obedient to His call to serve those in need. I have been blessed in so many ways in my life and I want to be a blessing to others.
Why are you on the board of directors?
My wife and I were invited to the 2018 Compassion Delivered Gala and we felt an instant connection to their cause. My background in finance and budgeting give me a great opportunity to support and grow their vision.
Who is a hero of yours?
My grandpa is my hero. He was the hardest working person I’ve ever known. He was never afraid to try something new, tear something apart to figure out how to fix it or offer his time to help someone in need.
What’s something quirky about you?
I’m not your typical accountant. I love to work with my hands and do physical labor. I do all my own home remodeling work. I recently finished a complete overhaul of our kitchen.
Lynn Gastin
Secretary
Lynn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron and her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Malone University. Lynn is a licensed social worker and certified case manager. She has worked for Mercy Medical, and is currently at Aultman Hospital, where she has worked for the last 23 years. She is the Director of Discharge Services.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my family, traveling and shopping.
What inspires you?
Might sound cliché, but being able to help others. Seeing the patients we work with have a successful outcome or knowing that I truly helped a patient/family. I traveled the journey of cancer with my dad and Alzheimer’s with my mom. I want to make sure I advocate and provide support in the way I wanted as a family member dealing with these situations and diagnosis.
Why are you on the board of directors?
I have recently lost both my parents in the past year. My daughter is heading off to college. I feel like the timing of Amanda meeting with us was a sign for me to become involved again in the community and support programs and initiatives that I feel drawn to and support.
What emotional reasons?
Love the vision and mission of this program and again, feel like I was put in the right place at the right time to meet with Amanda and become involved.
Who is a hero of yours?
My husband who has faced a chronic illness for years with dignity, determination, strength and courage like no one other.
What’s something quirky about you?
Although it’s not nerves, I shake my leg all the time so I will have that board room table moving!
Patrick Willoughby
Patrick is the Senior Vice-President of Operations with the Karcher Group. He works hard to make sure that their clients are happy and that their office’s day-to-day operations run smoothly. He works with clients and internal Account Managers to ensure clear communication during each phase of a project. Besides his career, Patrick is involved in many organizations in our community and is on the board for Domestic Violence Project.
When not at work, Patrick’s life revolves around his wife (Kari), Daughters (Anna Grace & Charlotte) and the animals (Dalton & Oxford). He enjoys the time he has with his family and friends. You will usually find him spending his time on his house and working in the yard. And when he gets the chance he will be camping and spending time being outside! Where he gained experience and knowledge: Miami University-Oxford, OH. In between dreaming about cars, Patrick earned a B.A. in Speech Communication, with a Minor in Marketing. He was also an “IT guy/project manager” at Oak Associates, Ltd., after a gig managing the data center at Dairy Mart, Inc. corporate headquarters.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Be outside. Spend time with my family & friends. Tinker with cars.
What inspires you?
People that do what they say they are going to and tell it like it is. A get it done attitude.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
Amanda asked me to seriously, having worked together before, I know the kind of person she is and that I wanted to partner with her again on this adventure. Not to mention the mission of what this organization stands for and how it helps people is so unique.
Who is a hero of yours?
Wilmer Cowgill, my Grandfather. Only knew him until I was 13 yrs old but was a guy everyone liked being around and respected. Family man but liked to have fun. Would help anyone he could, believed in God and gave back to his community. I hope I am something like that or striving to be.
What’s something quirky about you?
Hates mushrooms, He wanted to be a Vehicle Test Driver for the Ford Company when he grew up. Moved 5 times while growing up. Was one of 5 people to found the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapter at Miami University.
TJ Murphy
TJ is the co-owner of Edible Arrangements in Akron and Canton Ohio. He graduated from Youngstown State University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health. TJ is currently an ambassador with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in various local young professional groups. TJ has a strong desire to help and encourage personal growth and change. He has held various management positions in for-profit and non-profit arenas. TJ is married. He and his wife Heather have three wonderful children, Odessa, and twins Calan and Hudson.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time? I get the privilege of watching my three kids play sports year around. We believe strongly in team sports and how it can prepare them to be future leaders. As a local business owner, I also like to network and learn about area businesses.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I’m all about doing something bigger than myself and working with people to accomplish something super special. Being part of compassion delivered was a no-brainer because I can positively engage people who are becoming hopeless. Terminal illnesses effect every family and we want to be there to educate, equip, and inspire people to get better through proper nutrition.
Who is a hero of yours?
One of my favorite questions. My HERO is my late Grandma Steele. She raised me when she was in her own retirement and gave me so much love and support anyone could ask for. I witnessed her religious beliefs and how she continuously gave to her community.
What’s something quirky about you?
I consider myself to be somewhat of a professional SKEEBALL player.
Mike Sturdivant
Mike has been a life-long resident of Stark County. Currently, Mike is the Regional Manager for Hattie Larlham where he oversees the Hattie’s Doggie Day Care & Boarding Vocational Programs in North East Ohio. With the support of his team, they hire and train individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with the goal of helping them reach their dreams of receiving Independent Community Employment. In 2015 Mike was named one of Hattie Larlham’s Employees of the Year. He is also very active with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Ystark! He is currently serving on Ystark’s Event Planning Committee, as well as the Executive Team. Mike is also a member of the North Canton Jaycees. He held the 2017 committee chair position for the Stark County Board of DD’s Special Olympics Track and Field Invitational. Also, he has worked with the American Cancer Society for their Real Men Wear Pink Campaign.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I think its safe to say Cancer has effected just about everyone in some way. For me personally I have had multiple family members who have battled cancer. One of which was my Aunt Shirley who lost her second battle with Breast Cancer in 2008.
Who is a hero of yours?
I would have to say heroes. I have always looked up to both of my parents. My work ethic definitely comes from them. Growing up our family had a period where we faced some financial hardships. What they taught me during that time is that hard work and having a positive outlook no matter how the situation looks at the time will always get you through. They also instilled in me the desire to give back to the community and those in it.
What’s something quirky about you?
I have a pretty extensive shoe collection. I think I have well over 100 pairs. Mainly running and basketball; although, I have learned in the past few years the importance of having a few nice pairs of dress shoes for every occasion.
Steven Hoffman
Steven is Director of Business Development at Patriot Software, LLC. At the age of 15, Steven started his first non-profit to give a voice to youths in his community while serving on various other non-profit boards. Prior to Patriot Software, Steven lived in India for 4 years where he co-founded a tech company and helped support compassion projects. In Stark County, Steven currently serves on the board of the North Canton Jaycees and ystark! Executive Committee. He co-founded the Northeast Ohio Franchisee Network and is actively involved with the International Franchise Association.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read and run.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who unselfishly give themselves for a greater purpose or for the good of the community. It is so easy to get self-absorbed with one’s own life and miss getting to be a contributing puzzle piece in the greatest artwork of the world- humanity.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I believe people matter more than anything else. To be able to help those in our community who are suffering is the reason I’m serving this organization. Life can be difficult and challenging, but when surrounded by the community in a meaningful way there is hope.
Who is a hero of yours?
My heroes are the nameless, faceless leaders who inspire, encourage, and raise up others through selfless dedication and personal sacrifice.
What is something quirky about you?
I disliked eating any spicy food growing up but now I love to put hot sauce on my food.
Ryan Kumpf
Ryan is a proud lifelong resident of Stark County. He and his wife, Megan, have two daughters and reside in North Canton. Ryan is a graduate of Jackson High School (’01) and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Middle Childhood Education from Walsh University (’05). He earned his Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration and Principal ship license from Akron University (’09) and his Superintendence license from Kent State University (’15). Ryan is currently the Principal at Greentown Intermediate School in the North Canton School District and has been in the education field for 14 years. During the 2016-2017 school year, Ryan implemented Service and Celebration Days to help instill servant leadership values within the school community. Each year, Greentown partners with local non-profits in order to help strengthen the bond between school and community. Since implementing the program, Greentown has helped over a dozen local non-profit organizations within Stark County.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend my spare time with family and close friends. I’m also an avid Cleveland sports fan and enjoy watching the Browns, Cavs, and Indians.
What inspires you?
It’s important to leave each day better than the last. I’m inspired by watching others reach their potential and beyond. “Get going. Move FORWARD. Aim high. Plan a takeoff. Don’t just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won’t happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you’ll love it up here.”
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
By chance, I saw a clip on Channel 19 News about Compassion Delivered and thought this would be a great partnership for my school community that I’m a part of. After a yearlong partnership, I knew this was something I wanted to be involved with on a deeper level. Having had two grandparents who passed away from cancer, this organization’s mission is inspiring and it is touching the lives of those clients, and their families, who are served by Compassion Delivered.
Who is a hero of yours?
My parents, Carol and, Kevin, are heroes of mine. There’s a quote from Jim Valvano that says, “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” Both of my parents have always believed in me, always supported me, and always provided me with what I needed to pursue my passions. I’m thankful for their direction, their love, and their support.
What is something quirky about you?
I’m a huge foodie. I’ve been to over 25 burger joints in Ohio and I like to plan our family vacations with a few good food stops along the way.
Jeff Caughey
A life-long resident of Stark County, Jeffery currently works for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as an investigator with the Global Security and Investigations unit. Prior to taking the position with Goodyear, Jeffery was a full-time police officer with the Perry Township Police Department for 14years. With the Perry Township Police Department he served in several different capacities including; School Resource Officer, patrol, investigations and bike patrol. Through his role as a police officer Jeffery was able to coach both baseball and football at Perry High School.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am very passionate about fitness. I spend a good amount of time running, biking and strength training. In the summertime, you can find me outside doing anything from kayaking to playing an intense game of tennis. In the winter I am usually looking for a weekend to spend some time skiing.
What inspires you?
I easily get inspired when I see stories about people who do remarkable things for other people without wanting the credit. I think the best part of any bad situation is the stories that evolve at the conclusion of other peoples selfless actions.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I was approached by another board member who began to explain all of the good this organization was done in a short amount of time. After learning more about Compassion Delivered I knew I wanted to serve in some capacity. Through law enforcement, I learned first hand how important it is to serve your community.
Who is your hero?
This is an easy one for me. Police Officers are my hero. Having done the job I have seen in so many instances where police officers do something completely heroic, with no regard for their own safety and disappear in the background not seeking the recognition. I have seen police officers finish up a midnight shift, get in their personal car and go to a home of some elderly person and shovel their driveway following a heavy snow and far many other deeds outside of their daily duties.
What is something quirky about you?
I am obsessed with technology. I am constantly looking for a new way for “Alexa” get more done around the house. Anybody who knows me would certainly say that there are 2 brands that get my attention; Nike and Apple. I might like both of them possibly a little too much.
Lauren Davis
Lauren Davis has more than 10 years of experience in strategic marketing, integrated communications and brand management. She currently serves as the Marketing Communications Manager for Walsh University, where she is responsible for the administration of the University’s social media accounts and website maintenance. In her role, Lauren is instrumental in the promotion of the University’s brand, name and mission, as well as coordination and execution of various internal and external newsletters. Prior to Walsh, Lauren served as Marketing Coordinator for Boomerang Advertising from 2014-2019, where she oversaw client accounts to deliver results-oriented services tailored to each organization’s mission and objectives. She has earned numerous awards for her achievements including Young Professional of the Week by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Ystark professional organization in March 2017 and the Achievements in Excellence Award from the National Sales & Marketing Executives of Akron and Canton in February 2017. Lauren has been active in her community through organizations such as Marking Strides of Canton, Ystark and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador program, to name a few. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Compassion Delivered. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal and Public Communications from the University of Akron.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my extremely large family, meet up with friends, read a good book or my all time favorite…take a nap!
What inspires you?
Seeing other people do good. When I read a news article about the work of a local organization, see someone help when they weren’t asked or just experience the kindness of a stranger, I feel moved to pass on the positivity of those acts. I am a true believer that there can never be enough kindness.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I am inspired by the work Compassion Delivered is doing in our community and I wanted to be a part of it. Illness changes the course of a person’s life and having support during that time can help make it more manageable. I want to be able to ease someone’s burden during that time.
Who is a hero of yours?
My grandma Nancy. She was an incredible woman who lost her battle to cancer. I was young when she passed but it wasn’t until I was older that I realized the extent of her illness because she was always so positive and strong.
What is something quirky about you?
I have a “small” obsession with the show Friends (must be the name!). I watch it every night to fall asleep and have done so for years.
Mark Manwaring
Mark Manwaring brings a wealth of audit and assurance experience to 415 Group. His knowledgeable background includes servicing for-profit and nonprofit organizations, 401(k)s and school Medicaid AUPs. In his current role, he complete audits, reviews and compilations to support the needs of clients. Mark received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, The University of Akron.
Mark enjoys spending time with his family, including his children and grandchildren. He is an avid soccer fan as well, and he can be found watching his favorite teams play during his free time.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m attempting to learn how to play the guitar. I also like to play softball, watch soccer, & spend time with friends and family.
What inspires you?
People that give without expecting anything in return. People that lead a selfless life.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
I am on the Board because I want to help a cause I am passionate about. By being on the board, I hope to be able to make a difference in people’s lives.
Who is a hero of yours?
I would say Bill Gates. He created a program that forever changed the lives of anyone that touched a computer. Beyond that, he has become one of the world’s biggest philanthropist using his money to further the lives of an endless number of people around the world.
What is something quirky about you?
I am a huge fan of sci-fi. I love both Star Wars and Star Trek. And the little boy in me still collects baseball.
Cortney Ayers
Cortney Ayers is the Director of Strategy at Sanctuary, a digital marketing agency in North Canton. She helps companies grow their businesses by developing end-to-end marketing strategies, and then works with a team of specialists to execute the plan. Prior to working at Sanctuary, Cortney worked in various roles at Aultman Hospital for nearly 12 years, spending five of those years as a Marketing, Advertising, PR and Digital Media Coordinator.
As a lifelong resident of Stark County, Cortney resides with her husband Patrick and their beloved bernedoodle Millie. Cortney volunteers at her church, The Summit, and also serves at the North Canton Cares Pantry.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel! And more low-key, I really enjoy making things – baking, cooking, building, hand-lettering – I’m up for (almost) anything.
What inspires you?
I’m really inspired by goals and vision. Whether they’re my own or something I’m helping a team work toward, knowing where we’re heading inspires me to get it done.
Why are you on the board of directors? What emotional reasons?
After hearing Amanda’s passion for Compassion Delivered and having been recently looking for ways to get more involved in the community, I knew I wanted to serve. Hearing the stories of how families in our community are impacted and touched by the work of Compassion Delivered will lead anyone to want to help! Knowing a family who was served meals through Compassion Delivered during a tragically difficult circumstance made me understand it all a little more. Our community needs this, and I want to help.
Who is a hero of yours?
My mom is the first person who came to mind. Relentlessly loyal, supportive, and hardworking, my mom stops at nothing when it comes to being there for her family and friends. She’s taught me the importance of doing what you say you’ll do and always trying your hardest. As someone who has seen me at my highest and lowest, she has always believed in me and has been the truest earthly depiction of unconditional love. She’s fun, strong and a heck of woman. I hope I become more like her every day.
What is something quirky about you?
I’m a lifelong William (aka: Billy) Joel fan. My siblings and I have been singing (aka: mumbling through) the spiraling headline-based lyrics of We Didn’t Start the Fire since I was four (and most recently we joined forces again in Las Vegas last summer).
At Compassion Delivered We Value
- Accountability: At every level of our organization we are accountable to our clients, donors, volunteers, staff and the public – with unwavering integrity of program services and financial standards.
- Community: Partnerships and collaborations are vital to our success, both inside and outside the organization, as we build communities that invest in the welfare of others. We commit to having authentic communication to build our partnerships and relationships.
- Compassion: We will respect everyone’s dignity, boundaries and challenges.
- Dignity: With confidentiality, respect, and a compassion for life, we recognize the dignity of every client, volunteer, donor, staff member, and guest.
- Diversity: The caring, loving, fun and dynamic nature of our organization is made possible by the diversity of the people we serve and those who help us provide our services to the community.
- Excellence: We are committed to the highest standards of quality and excellence by producing high-quality services, programs, volunteering opportunities and experiences.
- Stewardship: We commit to invest our human and financial resources efficiently so that every donation has the maximum use in our community. We are proud of our community’s generosity, and honor and trust in being accountable to the highest levels of integrity.
MoC Support Group
The Men of Compassion (also known as MoC) group was started because Compassion Delivered wants to make a lifelong commitment to the families we interact with on a weekly basis. We understand how challenging it can be to watch loved ones face life threatening illness, but what can be even more difficult is in the days after our loved ones have passed.
The grieving process can be an incredibly challenging time for families, and men in particular. Compassion Delivered wants to be a continued presence for these men as they learn to live with their ‘new normal’. We feel strongly that part of fulfilling our mission is to continue to offer support to these men who have been wonderful caretakers. We do this by offering our MoC group.
The MoC group meets for breakfast at 8AM the second Saturday of month at a local Stark County restaurant. Locations will be determined at each meeting.
At the meetings we will offer opportunities for men to converse with other men who have walked, or are walking, this difficult journey. Men can share as much or as little about themselves as they feel comfortable with. We know that this can be a sensitive subject and our goal is to lend as much or as little support is needed.
During the meetings we also offer upcoming volunteer opportunities within the Compassion Delivered organization and with other organizations across the Stark County area.
There is no attendance requirement. Men may attend as often or as little as they’d like. All that we ask is that each man be understanding and willing to listen to others who may be experiencing a challenging period in their life.
Should you want to attend please reach out for more information on the group please email info@compassiondelivered.org.
