The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), Howard County’s designated anti-poverty organization, held their first virtual version of their annual Holland Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Attended remotely by over 400 guests, the event recognized CAC’s many supporters, its impact on the community, and the need for continued financial support. The dinner was hosted by local personality Justin Schlegel, and featured guest speakers including U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, University of Maryland President Dr. Darryll J. Pines, and Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball.

The Holland Awards is named in recognition of Reverend John W. Holland, a lifelong resident of Howard County, who was extraordinarily influential in shaping the quality of life in Howard County through his ministry and civic leadership. Traditionally this event brings together hundreds of people to celebrate individuals and organizations who believe in the mission and supported CAC throughout the year in serving the Howard County community. This year, CAC couldn’t say “thank you” to just one person or organization. Instead, CAC stepped back and thanked the thousands of heroes who gave CAC a lending hand in the face of this pandemic. The event also raises funds to support the mission of CAC: to diminish poverty, enable self-sufficiency, and advocate for low-income families and individuals in Howard County.

“It’s hard to imagine that poverty is a problem in an area like Howard County, but one-in-four neighbors are struggling to make ends meet every day,” said Bita Dayhoff, CAC president. “Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for our neighbors so they may share in the promise and opportunity of our community, but we cannot do it alone. It is only with the help of our community partners, supporters and volunteers that we are able to meet the ever-growing needs of the clients we serve every day.”

The evening also highlighted the new CAC year-round fundraising initiative called the Village of Supporters. Over 40 corporations and organizations joined the inaugural list of long-term donor commitments.

More information on the event and Community Action Council of Howard County can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yyosmncq.

About the Community Action Council of Howard County:

Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) was created in 1965 as Howard County’s designated anti-poverty agency. Our mission is to diminish poverty, enable self-sufficiency and advocate for low-income families and individuals. CAC provides a multi-generational, family-focused approached with services for more than 40,000 residents by running the Howard County Food Bank and 14 affiliated food pantries, administering a Head Start program for more than 300 pre-K children, offering energy/weatherization assistance and providing housing assistance. For more information about CAC, please visit www.cac-hc.org or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.