Rooted Reflections: The Heart Behind the Bears
Years before Rachel’s Bears officially became a fund here, Andrea was already collecting books and stuffed animals for children in hospitals. The effort began in 2019 in memory of Sweet Alexa, who lost her battle with pediatric brain cancer in 2015. What started as a way to honor one little girl grew again after Andrea lost her lifelong friend, Rachel Williams, in 2022. Rachel was a pediatric nurse at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital who had spent her career caring for children. Andrea found a way to carry both of their stories forward through something children could actually hold onto during some of their hardest days.
Rooted Reflections: Before the Award
Every year around this time, our team begins preparing for the We Are Carroll Awards. We gather biographies, collect photographs, review accomplishments, and begin learning the stories behind the people we have the privilege of honoring. It’s one of my favorite times of the year—not because of the event itself, but because every year I discover something I didn’t know before.
After 19 years at the Community Foundation of Carroll County, I’ve come to understand that the most extraordinary people rarely tell you they’re extraordinary. You discover it one conversation at a time, one story at a time, and sometimes, one old file at a time.
Rooted Reflections: A Name Worth Carrying
The Stories Behind the 2026 We Are Carroll Awards To pause. To recognize generosity. To honor the people who quietly make Carroll County stronger every single day. By Jaclyn, Mathias, CFCC Executive Director For nearly two decades, the Community Foundation has gathered our community for one simple reason. To say thank you. Long before we […]
We Are Carroll Awards featured in the Baltimore Sun
The annual We Are Carroll Awards (formerly POY) were recently featured in the Baltimore Sun’s Carroll County Times edition, highlighting the winners and shining a light on the work of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. The article by Lily Carey was published online on Sept 25, 2025. You can read the article here. My […]
We Are Carroll Awards Celebrates Carroll County, MD Nonprofits
The Community Foundation of Carroll County presents the We Are Carroll Awards — formerly Philanthropists of the Year — celebrating greatness. We’re awarding two nonprofit partners, one best friend, one legend, and one incredibly generous philanthropist. We’ve rebranded, expanded, and opened the awards this year. Included is a community member nominated by a Carroll County […]
Dayhoff: Sixteenth annual Philanthropists of the Year Awards to be presented Sept. 25
This year the Community Foundation of Carroll County 16th annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year Awards program will be held at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 E. Main St., Westminster, on Sept. 25. The Class of 2024 “What Keeps You Growing” event recognizes achievements in four categories: Living Legacy; Rooted in the Community; Rising Star; and the Fund-nominated as BFF.
Community Foundation of Carroll County Announces 2023 Philanthropists of the Year Honorees
Awards presentation is September 27 at Carroll Arts Center, Westminster, 5 PM The Community Foundation of Carroll County is excited to announce the Class of 2023 Philanthropists of the Year: What Keeps You Growing award honorees. CFCC recognizes achievements in four categories: Living Legacy; Rooted in the Community; Rising Star; and our Fund-nominated BFF. There […]
May Event Roundup
Our Funds have wonderful events coming up this month. There is something for everyone! Carroll County Association of Realtors Foundation is hosting a Designer Bag Bingo on Saturday, May 13 at Gamber Fire Hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Follow this link to learn more and buy your tickets. Dream Big Union Bridge Rubber Duck […]