PASSPORT TO WINE & DINE 2026
Honoring 50 Years of Global Connections in Akron, Ohio
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- 5-8 p.m.
- St Georgeโs Fellowship Centre Fairlawn
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- 5-8 p.m.
For over 50 years, Global Ties Akron has been serving the Greater Akron community with exchange programs and promoting the importance of citizen diplomacy.
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to celebrate our 50th Anniversary and the 7th Annual Passport to Wine & Dine 2026, where we will enjoy premium international wines paired with a global affair cuisine. Kindly join us for a top-tier Akron networking event that drives global impact.
Honoring 50 Years of Global Connection
1976 - 2026
PLATINUM PRESENTING SPONSOR
This exclusive, high-profile tier is currently available.
By aligning with us, your brand connects with the excellence of Akron’s leadership. Inquire below about the benefits of this high-profile corporate sponsorship.
7th ANNUAL
Passport to Wine & Dine 2026: What to Expect
Over its seven-year tenure, the Passport to Wine & Dine has welcomed over 1,000 distinguished guests. As a result, it has established itself as the region’s leading global affairs gala.
Join a network of community members and business leaders for an evening of exceptional dining, meaningful connection, and high-impact fundraising. Ultimately, the Passport To Wine & Dine 2026 is the premier local gathering to celebrate and support the perpetuity of Akronโs role in global connection.
Reception & Fundraising
5-6 p.m.
Enjoy our cocktail hour with a lively fundraising frenzy.
- Place your bids on our curated silent charity auction items.
- Join our 50/50 raffle.
- Select from our 50 Bottles of Wine Wall.
- Network with key Akron business leaders and local changemakers.
Welcome & Dinner
6-6:45 p.m.
Opening remarks followed by a seated five-course dinner service featuring globally-inspired cuisine and international wine pairings from select regions.
Program
6:45-7:30 p.m.
Presentation of our Citizen Diplomat of the Year and Building Global Bridges Awards, keynote guest speaker, and international entertainment.
Auction & Raffle Winners
7:30 p.m.
Final announcement of all silent auction and raffle winners.
Our Mission & Global Ties Akron Impact
COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH GRASSROOTS DIPLOMACY
The Passport to Wine & Dine is the most powerful platform to support Akronโs global future and elevate the region’s profile. At its core, our commitment to local leadership and international cooperation is defined by our mission:
Global Ties Akron strengthens academic, corporate, organizational, and personal links between Greater Akron, Northeast Ohio, and the global community through citizen diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and educational programs.
Empowering Akron's Community Through Exchange
We bring global leaders into direct dialogue with local businesses, schools, and civic groups. As a result, your support translates into concrete outcomes, measured by tracked volunteer hours and the local economic impact of our services. Therefore, it becomes a tangible Akron CSR initiative that strengthens local civic life and global awareness simultaneously.
Our 2013-2023 EDUCATIONAL & ECONOMIC impact
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS WELCOMED
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN EXCHANGES
STUDENTS & EDUCATORS ENGAGED
LOCAL TO GLOBAL CONNECTIONS CREATED
LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT GENERATED BY HOSTING VISITORS
2026 Awardee Recognition
Honoring Citizen Diplomacy AT PASSPORT TO WINE & DINE 2026
The Passport to Wine & Dine Gala is the stage where we recognize the Akron leaders who exemplify our mission.ย We can confirm these individuals represent the pinnacle of local leadership and international cooperation.
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Citizen Diplomat of the Year
This award honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to strengthening global understanding and ties within the Greater Akron community
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Building Global Bridges Awardee
This recognition is given to an individual, organization or corporation whose work actively fosters global exchange programs and economic connection.
PASSPORT TO WINE & DINE 2026 SPONSORS
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Akron businesses and philanthropic partners who make this annual fundraising gala possible.
We currently have sponsoring opportunities available.
Past Event Gallery
CELEBRATING GLOBAL TIES AKRON
Our Corporate Sponsorship Network
PASSPORT TO WINE & DINE 2025 SPONSORS
Year after year, we partner with the most respected organizations in Northeast Ohio. Your corporate event sponsorship joins an authoritative network committed to global engagement beyond the Passport To Wine & Dine fundraiser.
We also thank our individual donors:
An anonymous donor supporting the Women Artrepreneurs Fall 2024 Program and Susan Flowers.
Sponsorship Opportunities
By securing your ticket or sponsorship, you directly fund the vital local impact of citizen diplomacy. We provide significant benefits of sponsoring local non-profit work while elevating your brand’s profile locally and internationally while supporting regional economic development, education, and Akron CSR initiatives through measurable, global work and local impact.
Strengthening the Local Economy & International Connections
Partnering with Global Ties Akron offers high-value visibility and a direct connection to international leaders, educators, and the philanthropic community. But perhaps more importantly, we help companies create measurable community impact, strengthen the future workforce, engage employees, foster global connections, and build reputation through the powerful approach of grassroots diplomacy.
Explore the premier event sponsorship packages and choose the tier that best meets your goals.
PLATINUM
$5,000
- 8 Event Tickets & 4 Wine Bottles
- Premium logo placement on Program Passport
- Premium website, social media, and e-blast logo placement
- On-stage recognition + option to share remarks
- 1-year sponsor recognition on our front webpage
- And more!
GOLD
$2,500
- 6 Event Tickets & 3 Wine Bottles
- Prominent Program Passport Logo
- Website, social media, and e-blast logo placement
- Recognition during event program
- And more!
SILVER
$1,500
- 4 Tickets & 2 Wine Bottles
- Logo Inside Program Passport
- Logo on website, e-blasts, and social media
- And more!
bronze
$500
- 2 Tickets & 1 Wine Bottle
- Logo Inside Program Passports
- And more!
Silent Auction / In-kind Donations are also fully recognized. Global Ties Akron is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
EVENT LEADERSHIP
Our annual gala is successfully executed by a dedicated team of volunteers and board members who are committed to the future of citizen diplomacy in Akron.
Litsa Varonis
BOARD PRESIDENT
Becky Guzy Woodford
2026 Event Chair
Holly Harris Bane
Honorary Chair
Samuel DeShazior
Honorary Chair
Sylvia Trundle
Honorary Chair
Jeff & Helen Fusco
Honorary Chair
Pam Valentine
Honorary Chair
Theresa Carter
Honorary Chair
To Be Announced
Honorary Chair
Don't Miss Akron's Premier Global Fundraising Event
Whether youโre securing your seat at the table for the charity auction or exploring corporate partnership opportunities for Global Ties Akron, your support directly fuels our mission.