Nancy Fedak, Barbara J. Filipow and Sharon Arko Jones, three passionate educators who had dedicated their professional careers to the Parma City Schools, with encouragement from then superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Graham, created the foundation. 

Guided by its mission to enrich the educational experiences for all students in the Parma City School District, the Parma City Schools Foundation established itself in 2011.  Joined by representatives from all three communities and a variety of professions, the Parma City Schools Foundation was officially on the road to success.  Soon, individuals were asking to serve on the Foundation.  

With a focus of getting the Foundation and its work noticed, beginning efforts were on a small scale.  The first effort was a wine tasting at Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino, complete with gift baskets, a 50/50 raffle and fellowship. The breakthrough, however, came with the first of our annual Taste of the Towns event, held originally at Carrie Cerino’s Restaurant and Party Center in September of 2012.  City officials, area restaurants, businesses and the community fully supported the event.  

The Taste of the Towns is now an established event.  St. Michael’s Woodside Event Center has helped to promote the event over the past six years.  Over 40 restaurants and bakeries have offered support through participation in the event.