Larry Griffin’s smile has been described as magical. His work in our community can also be expressed that way. In 1992, after 28 years of drug addiction and two years of homelessness, Larry discovered his purpose — he founded We Care and Friends. Larry took to the streets to help addicts in Annapolis’ poorest neighborhoods by feeding them a meal, helping them find a rehab facility and even offering up his home. Over the years, through grants, partnerships and sheer tenacity, Larry and his organization have assisted more than 200 people seek recovery.

Generous individuals like Larry are the reason communities survive and flourish, inspiring us all to do more. That’s why the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) shines a spotlight on local volunteers and philanthropists at its annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards event.

Over the past 21 years, CFAAC has honored 102 community members and organizations who give back every day — serving food, gathering donations, reading to children, helping the homeless, investing in the environment, providing resources for arts and music, and making our community a better place for all. The event is also an opportunity to celebrate CFAAC’s meaningful collaborations, its increasingly powerful impact on addressing critical needs and its leadership efforts in the community.

This year’s virtual Celebration of Philanthropy, held on Nov. 5, honored eight dedicated community members. Take a peek into some of their inspiring stories here and view the event video at cfaac.org.

Celebration of Philanthropy Award Winners

Community icon Larry Griffin touched many lives, so it was only fitting that CFAAC recognize him with the Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of the late CFAAC Founder Carol Thompson.

Making an impact in a different, but immensely important way through financial and strategic support, are CFAAC’s Philanthropist of the Year Award honorees Jeffrey Harris and Joyce Pratt. The couple has ensured a future for many organizations including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra through their leadership and generosity.

Corporate giving can make a huge impact on local communities. CFAAC presented the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award to Hannon Armstrong, a local business focused on climate solutions that embraces a culture of giving by encouraging and motivating its employees to take on leadership roles with local nonprofits. The company was recognized for its support of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the YWCA.

Individuals play a key role in helping nonprofit organizations provide services to the community. CFAAC’s Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Townsend McNitt, who has a long history of behind-the-scenes involvement with local organizations including the Stanton Community Center and Annapolis Elementary.

Similarly, Janice Keating, who received CFAAC’s Boots on the Ground Award, has quietly but effectively made a tremendous impact on our community through volunteerism. For more than 20 years, Janice has worked with countless organizations including those serving the homeless, the addicted, the hungry, public-subsidized housing families and the Hispanic community.

Volunteering hundreds of hours with the Banneker-Douglas Museum’s Anti-Racism Initiative Campaign, along with other organizations, Martha Blaxall is committed to community building and racial healing in Anne Arundel County. Martha was presented the Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy, named in honor of founding CFAAC Board Member Carroll H. Hynson, Jr.

College freshman Ryan O’Connor, CFAAC’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award, was just a fifth grader when her passion for service was ignited. Since then, the prolific teen volunteer has made an enduring impact locally and globally through her dedication and ability to lead.

The late Cindy Pond was recognized with CFAAC’s Legacy Award for Planned Giving after leaving significant gifts through her will to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the SPCA of Annapolis. Cindy embodied the true essence of giving — volunteering hundreds of hours to these organizations and making sure that they were taken care of long after she was gone through her planned gifts.

CFAAC’s honorees exemplify philanthropy’s power to create a better life for everyone and showcase what makes Anne Arundel County so special. I hope you watch their inspiring stories at CFAAC.org.

CFAAC is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects.

This story was originally printed in the November 15, 2021 edition of the CAPITAL GAZETTE.