Investing in Greater Akron
GAR is an acronym for our founders, Galen and Ruth Roush, pronounced gee-ay-ar.
GAR Foundation was established in 1967 by Galen and Ruth Roush to carry forward their commitment to serving Greater Akron. What began as an investment in the community has grown into a lasting effort to help Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.
Over the decades, GAR Foundation has remained grounded in the Roushes’ belief that strong communities are built through steady, thoughtful investment in organizations and the systems that support them. Today, GAR Foundation awards more than $7 million annually to nonprofit organizations working across four strategic priority areas.
We are proud of our heritage and continue to serve others while building on the legacy that guides our work today.
Galen & Ruth Roush
At the center of GAR Foundation’s story are its founders, Galen and Ruth Roush, whose vision, humility, and dedication to strengthening their community continue to guide the Foundation’s work today. Click on their names to read their full bios.
The Roadway Legacy
Galen Roush co-founded Roadway Express with his brother, Carroll, in 1930. Within a decade, it had become the largest long-haul trucking company in the United States.
Through careful stewardship and superior service, Roadway Express grew into a global transportation company serving over 100 countries by the 1990s. Galen believed superior service was much more than delivering freight on time, it was about the experience.
Because of Galen's servant-minded leadership and the innovation of Roadway’s employees, the company excelled in delivering extraordinary experiences for its employees and customers for more than 80 years.
That same commitment to thoughtful, high-quality service continues today through GAR Foundation’s work, shaping how it partners with organizations to strengthen the Greater Akron community.
Andrew Jackson House: Home of GAR Foundation
Built in 1868, Andrew Jackson House has served as a private residence, a fraternal lodge, and now a vibrant part of the Akron community. After decades of decline and near-demolition in 2006, this Second Empire-style historic landmark has been restored, standing today as a proud symbol of Akron’s resilience and our commitment to preserving its history.
