United Way’s annual Bold Glow Golf event, taking place tonight at the City of Akron’s J. E. Good Park Golf Course, will raise an estimated $70,000 to support the organization’s education and youth success efforts. Now in its fifth year, the event treats attendees to a glow-in-the-dark golf experience, with neon golf balls, glow sticks and special lighting adorning the after-dark golf outing. Additional perks – for both golfers and non-golfers – include a buffet dinner, drinks, live music, a visit from the Swenson’s Truck and more.
Beacon Aligned Management, the City of Akron and Leppo Rents, among other organizations, sponsored the event.
Proceeds from Bold Glow support United Way’s youth success efforts, including its Youth United program. As part of its Bold Goals for 2028, United Way of Summit & Medina is working to raise high school graduation rates among Akron Public Schools students to 90 percent and college and career readiness rates among graduates to 60 percent. Additionally, United Way is working to raise the rate of Akron youth participation in employment or extracurricular activities to 60 percent.
In support of those efforts, United Way offers its Youth United program, created in partnership with Akron-born pro golfer Harold Varner III’s HV3 Foundation. Youth United connects young people to adults who can provide guidance, advice and inspiration to help them achieve their potential. Youth United will host one of its several yearly youth enrichment activities prior to the event, giving program participants the opportunity to meet with their Success Coaches, play games, enjoy raffles and meet Harold Varner III, who is a special guest at this year’s event. Learn more, or register as a Youth Leader or Success Coach.
“Bold Glow is an annual highlight in our calendar of events,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina. “But more important than the fun our attendees have every year is the incredible impact their generosity has on our community. We are grateful for our incredible sponsors, partners, donors, volunteers and participants that make this event possible. Together, they are helping us ensure that every child in our community has access to a quality education, enriching extracurricular activities and the preparation they need to build successful lives and careers.”