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 Show
Be part of something truly special — an evening dedicated to celebrating the people and organizations whose work changes lives right here in Carroll County. Join us for the 2026 We Are Carroll Awards: Rooted & Rising Together, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Carroll Arts Center. Join Carroll County business and community leaders, civic and […]
Rooted Reflections: Before the Storm
One Friday lunch might help a family replace groceries after a house fire. Another might keep the lights on after an unexpected illness. Another might help a loved one lay a family member to rest with dignity when final expenses become overwhelming. None of these are moments anyone plans for. But all of them are moments when community matters most.
Murder & Marinara – Dinner, Dancing and a Killer Mystery
Murder & Marinara: Dinner, Dancing & a Killer Mystery at the Portico at St. John 43 Monroe St, Westminster Join Hailey’s Wish and Taylor’s Place for a Night to Remember Step into an evening of fun and mystery featuring: • A delicious Italian dinner • An interactive murder mystery experience • Music and dancing with […]
Rooted Reflections- The Road Was Full
By Jaclyn “Jacie” Mathias Yesterday, I found myself in a line of cars on a quiet country road. No one rushing. No one distracted. Just moving. Car after car after car, all heading to the same place, all showing up for the same reason—to honor a woman who lived 90 years. A woman who, in […]
Still Coaching
By Jaclyn Mathias, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Carroll County Leadership doesn’t end when the role changes, it shows up in how you lead, especially when it’s hard. This week, something unexpected happened—I found myself back in a coaching mindset. And it reminded me that some parts of who we are never leave… […]
Nineteen Years of Peeps and the Roots of Community
For me, the Peep Show was one of my very first introductions to the nonprofit world in Carroll County. Just a month and a half later, I began working at the Community Foundation of Carroll County—a path that has shaped nearly two decades of my life and work.
Westminster Lions Foundation Candy Fundraiser
Westminster Lions Club and Rachel’s Sweet Treats have teamed up to offer Chocolate Easter Lollipops for Easter delivery. Order until March 12. Submit orders to Karen Bullock Delivery will be made to the Westminster Lions Club for distribution by March 26. Westminster Lions Foundation is a Fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County.