The 36th recipient of the Polsky Humanitarian Award, Charles E. Booth worked for more than half a century to advance the health and development of the Greater Akron community. Through a banking career of nearly 40 years and a post-retirement career in the nonprofit sector, Charlie devoted time and energy to numerous area organizations ranging from the Girl Scouts to Edwin Shaw Hospital.
"Charlie Booth is a solid gold example of what the Polsky Humanitarian Award is all about," said former Akron Community Foundation President Jody Bacon. "For years, he has actively participated in strengthening the infrastructure of our community through business and nonprofit organizations."
Serving as campaign chairman for the United Way/Red Cross in 1973, Charlie was also an active board member. Charlie served as president of the Downtown Akron Kiwanis, the Akron Association of Credit Management, Florence Crittenton Home Inc., the Health Education Center of Akron Inc. and the Community Improvement Corporation of Summit, Portage and Medina Counties, which honored him for his work as both president and chairman of the executive committee. He also served as president of the University of Akron Alumni Association and received its Alumni Honor Award in 1981.
Continuing his community involvement into his retirement, Charlie joined the staff of Akron Community Foundation in 1988 as special projects coordinator. He served as board member emeritus of Akron General Medical Center, as well as a board member of the Edwin Shaw Hospital Development Foundation, the Mobile Meals Foundation, Akron General Medical Center, the Akron Clinic Foundation and Junior Achievement of Akron Area Inc. He served the Girl Scouts of the Western Reserve Council as finance committee chair and helped establish and was executive director for Akron Tomorrow.
Charlie displayed an unwavering commitment to the good of the Greater Akron area for decades. The dedication and service he gave to his community are inherent qualities of a true humanitarian.