The Community Foundation of Howard County, which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, will recognize Howard County philanthropists at its annual dinner, A Celebration of Philanthropy, on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Turf Valley in Ellicott City.
Bob and Bach Jeffrey will receive the Community Foundation’s individual Philanthropist of the Year award. The Philanthropist of the Year awards recognize individual and corporate philanthropists in Howard County who have shown leadership in philanthropy and have brought positive change through their giving. The Jeffreys have spent the last 40 years supporting Howard County organizations, including the Howard County Arts Council, Leadership Howard County, Grassroots, Howard Community College and Howard County General Hospital.
The Iron Bridge Wine Co. will receive the corporate Philanthropist of the Year award. The Columbia restaurant has donated meals and helped raise funds for Howard County nonprofits and charitable organizations, including the Howard County Autism Society and the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center. The restaurant’s owners, brothers Steve and Rob Wecker, were taught from a young age to give to others and have made philanthropy a regular part of their business.
Yashica Maclin will receive the Community Foundation’s Leadership Council Award. The award recognizes a 25- to 45-year-old who has shown leadership and commitment as a member of a nonprofit board in Howard County and includes $1,000 supporting the recipient’s organization. Maclin serves on the board of the Community Action Council of Howard County and was nominated to serve as chair of the Policy Council for the last school year. In her position, she led advocacy for the 322 children in the program and their families.
Humanim Inc. will receive the foundation’s Casey and Pebble Willis Making a Difference Award, which recognizes a program of a nonprofit organization in Howard County and includes $3,000 in support. Established in 2000, the award memorializes Carolyn “Casey” Willis, a community activist who lived in Howard County for 26 years, and her husband, Dr. Eugene “Pebble” Willis, an orthopedic surgeon. Humanim Inc. will be honored for its Healthy Transitions program, which began in April 2015 and has helped further the educational and career goals of 82 Howard County youth struggling with mental health challenges.
A Celebration of Philanthropy will feature Mark Edwards, a classical guitarist and winner of the Howard County Arts Council’s 2016 Rising Star competition, who will provide entertainment. Tickets to the dinner cost $100 and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert. Cocktails will be available for purchase. To learn more, become a sponsor or purchase tickets, visit us here.
