The Community Foundation of Howard County’s (CFHC) Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on December 9 was a joyous evening filled with fellowship, inspiring stories, and powerful reminders of the generosity that strengthens our community. The event opened with a lively cocktail reception before guests gathered in the Cameo Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort for dinner and an uplifting program celebrating philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and partners.
Dan Flynn, Director of Development, Marketing & Communications, welcomed guests, thanked event sponsors, and introduced Angela Cabellon, Chief of Staff for County Executive Calvin Ball, who shared inspiring remarks about the impact of philanthropy across Howard County. Following her remarks, Board of Trustees Chair Barb Rishel offered a warm welcome on behalf of the board and began the evening’s awards presentations, starting with the Amanda & Jill Dean Direct Support Professional Award, presented to Millyanne Mudibo of The Arc of Howard County. Millyanne may have stolen the show when her two adorable young sons joined her on stage to celebrate her award.
The celebration continued with moving presentations by community leaders: Jean Moon delivered heartfelt remarks as she presented the Jean Moon Legacy Builder Award to Chamber Music Maryland; Immediate Past Chair Steve Sass recognized rising leadership by awarding the CFHC Leadership Council Award to Toniann Mendelzon, Board Member of Bridges to Housing Stability; and Dee Athey, Director of Grants & Community Outreach, honored Winter Growth as the 2025 recipient of the Casey & Pebble Willis “Making a Difference” Award.
Anne Johnson, Executive Director of the Howard Community College Foundation introduced the Individual Philanthropists of the Year, honoring Thomas Clement and Wonsook Kim, with Mi Ji Kim, Executive Director of the T&W Foundation, accepting on their behalf. Paul Skalny, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC (DARS), accepted the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award, recognizing the firm’s longstanding commitment to community leadership and service.
Melissa Curtin, President & CEO, delivered inspiring remarks reflecting on CFHC’s mission and the donors who embody “the Heart of Philanthropy in Howard County” that set the tone for the evening’s culminating recognitions.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed surprise moments of joy and generosity – including four “Heart of Philanthropy” raffle drawings, where winners were invited to shout “Proud to be a Philanthropist!” as they each received the opportunity to direct a $500 grant to a local nonprofit of their choice.
In her closing remarks, Melissa encouraged attendees to remain hopeful and engaged in our community. In a world that can be overwhelming, she said, “The hope we have for the world is that each of us will continue to do what we are doing tonight – show up, give what you can, care for one another, and trust that small acts of love and generosity compound into something transformative.”
To learn more about CFHC’s work, or to join us in supporting a stronger, more connected Howard County please visit www.cfhoco.org.
Read “At the Heart of Philanthropy: A Message from CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin“
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