The Community Action Council of Howard County’s (CAC) 2023 Holland Awards event will return to the Main Street Ballroom in Old Ellicott City on Thursday, September 7th, for an evening of local celebration.
The Awards, which honor the legacy of Reverend John W. Holland, were historically organized as a traditional banquet event, whereas the 2022 Awards moved toward an interactive evening of community celebration. This year’s event will uphold the reimagined formatting from last year.
“We are so excited to be back at the Main Street Ballroom for another night of community connections and celebration! CAC received so much positive feedback after the 2022 Holland awards, we know that continuing the momentum and maintaining the newly designed format for our 2023 Holland Awards will offer even more fun and festivity!” Said Valerie Weitz, CAC’s Director of Development and Community Engagement.
The theme of the evening will be “celebrating collective service for our community”. The Awards will recognize the collective nature of community by featuring the firsthand experiences and stories of local changemakers and community members rather than a singular keynote speaker.
CAC will be honoring Shaun Eddy with the Reverend John W. Holland Humanitarian Award for his commitment to the Howard County Community. CEO and Partner of the locally-based Oxford Planning Group, LLC, Eddy has contributed immensely to CAC and the greater Howard County Community through his time, treasure, and talent.
Eddy has over 25 years of experience working with individuals and businesses. He served as past President and Chairman of the Board of the Financial Planning Association’s Maryland chapter. He is 2022 past President of Rotary Club of Columbia Patuxent and currently serves on the board of directors for Heritage Housing Partners Corp. and the Howard Community College Education Foundation. In 2018, Shaun served on Governor Hogan’s Task Force on Long Term Care. He has served as a Director with the Boards of Howard County Red Cross, HC Drug Free, and as past Chairman of the Housing and Community Development Board. He is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County Premier, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening their community.
Additionally, CAC will be awarding the Ellicott City – Columbia Lion’s Club with the CAC Service Award for their incredible impact and dedication to CAC and the greater Howard County community. The Ellicott City – Columbia Lion’s Club, which was established in May of 1947, regularly volunteers with CAC, provides critical funding for the organization and many others throughout the county, and offers essential connections and support for various health initiatives to benefit the wellbeing of residents across the County.
Attendees can expect delicious food and drinks catered by local businesses Manor Hill Brewing, Lost Ark Distilling Company, Sobar, The Wine Bin, and The Classic Catering People. Additional exciting features will include a photo station, lawn games, silent auction and raffle, mentalist Adam Stone, music, and more!
The 2023 Holland Awards will be a ticketed event open for public attendance. Event registration and additional information can be found here: HOLLAND AWARDS 2023 – Community Action Council of Howard County (cac-hc.org)
About the Community Action Council of Howard County:
Founded in 1965, Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is Howard County’s designated anti-poverty agency.
By layering four critical services- housing assistance, food assistance, energy and weatherization assistance, and early childhood education- CAC works to guide local families seeking assistance from crisis to stability, remaining a reliable helping hand all along the way.
Mission: to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need.
For more information about CAC, please visit www.cac-hc.org
