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Stewart’s Caring Place announces 10 years of pasta fundraiser in Canton

Volunteers work together at last year’s Pasta for a Purpose fundraising event.

CANTON — Ten years ago, the first Pasta for a Purpose fundraiser brought the Canton community together to support individuals and families affected by cancer. This year, Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center announces the 10-year anniversary of Pasta for a Purpose, returning Nov. 7 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Alex D. Krassas Event Center, 251 25th St. NW.

Pasta centerpieces at the 2025 Pasta for a Purpose event.

Fueled by the generosity, dedication and passion of volunteers and community supporters, this year’s family-friendly fundraiser will continue its tradition of hosting a pasta dinner, music, a grand raffle and dozens of raffle baskets — all to support local cancer wellness programs and supportive services. According to center officials, the special 10-year milestone reflects the ongoing community support for Pasta for a Purpose, making the mission of Stewart’s Caring Place possible: ensuring no one has to face cancer alone.

“Pasta for a Purpose has grown alongside the Canton community, and its 10-year anniversary speaks to the people who have believed in its purpose from the beginning,” said Sarah Vojtek, president and CEO of Stewart’s Caring Place. “As we celebrate a decade of impact, we’re also looking forward — to the next 10 years of building on this incredible legacy by expanding access to the no-cost programs and services our community needs.”

Over the past two years, Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center has expanded its presence in Canton, creating even more opportunities for impacted individuals and families to find connection and care. New offerings include Just Yarning, a monthly knit and crochet group; Stitches and Strength, a sewing program; and support groups such as Canton Cancer Connect and the Canton Caregiver Support Group — all led by volunteers and provided at no cost to participants. The cancer wellness center has also introduced massage and reiki sessions, counselling sessions and financial consultations, a food pantry, and a weekly chair yoga class, further expanding the ways individuals can care for their physical, emotional and practical well-being during a cancer journey.

Stewart’s Caring Place relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations and communities to be able to provide its cancer wellness programs and supportive services at no cost. Funds raised through Pasta for a Purpose directly support the organization’s mission.
The event is open to the public. Tickets and sponsorships are available at stewartscaringplace.org/events/pasta-for-a-purpose.

Photo credit: Catherine McKinley Photography The Pasta for a Purpose fundraiser will feature dozens of raffle baskets, with proceeds to support local cancer wellness programs.

Written by a Staff Writer at Akron.com.

Originally published by Akron.com on October 8, 2026.

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