Two of Akron's most renowned business leaders were discussing the importance of family philanthropy Wednesday evening at the Women's Endowment Fund dinner.

GOJO Chairman and CEO Joe Kanfer was one of the keynote speakers. He stressed the importance of families getting involved in the community.

"First of all, we have a community with a great tradition, and it's important we pass those traditions on to the next generation," Kanfer said.

"My wife and I have tried to pass our values of giving on to our children, so I feel it's very important to have your family know that giving back is a key part of your day-to day life."

He said he wanted those in attendance to reflect on their own families and how to work with their children on making others lives better.

In addition to running his family business headquartered in downtown Akron, Kanfer has been recognized as one of the region leading philanthropists, serving as a founding director of Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation and as chair of Akron Tomorrow.

Joe along with his daughter, Marcella Kanfer Rolnick spoke about the state of Akron philanthropy with more than 300 guests at the "For Women, Forever” dinner at the Hilton Akron-Fairlawn.

Rolnick said she was humbled by the opportunity to speak about something near and dear to her.

"My father and I are really appreciative of the opportunity to have a conversation with each other in front of of a bunch of our friends and fellow travelers in the community."

"I think its great that we spoke about something that we know families need to discuss," Rolnick said.

One of the key things both Rolnick and her father shared with the group was their ability to work together and communicate and learn from one another.

"It goes to show that people from different generations can come together for one common purpose and have an effective communication," she said.

"These are the kinds of conversations people to have at the dinner table, involving their kids in the tradition of philanthropy."

Marcella is the vice chair of GOJO Industries, who says among her passions as a philanthropist include Jewish education and social entrepreneurship.

Marcella and her father explained their family's philosophy, saying giving back is one of the most important things a person can do.

As a Jewish family, she says one of their most natural things to do in giving back to others comes from their faith.

 "It doesn't matter how much you have or how much you don't have, everyone has an obligation to give whatever they are capable of giving," Kanfer said.

"You never know when you could be in a time of need, so it's important to give back knowing it could one day be you."