You’re invited to the annual Celebration of Giving in Montgomery County–where inspiration meets impact as we celebrate a year of remarkable achievements and salute the 2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.

This evening brings together our community's most influential changemakers: passionate donors, business leaders, wealth advisors, elected officials, and nonprofit representatives—all dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant Montgomery County.

Enjoy delicious food and an open bar while making meaningful connections and learning from each other’s stories of real impact. You'll leave with renewed appreciation for our shared successes and fresh enthusiasm for the work ahead.

Introducing
the 2025
Montgomery County
Philanthropist
of the Year

Cathy Bernard

Cathy Bernard approaches philanthropy with the same skills that made her successful in business—tremendous drive and hands-on leadership. Her personal passions and long-standing commitment to Montgomery County compelled her to take on leadership roles with many vital organizations and help them achieve major breakthroughs. Her generosity has been especially catalytic for nonprofits advancing food security, supporting people living with cancer, empowering people with disabilities, and advancing the arts for all.

The Community Foundation is delighted to salute Cathy for demonstrating what's possible when one is committed to empowering people with hope and the resources they need to thrive.

Thank You To Our Host Committee,
Celebration Sponsors, Community Champions, & Together, We Prosper Campaign Donors

*As of 9/30/25

Host Committee

Mary Pat Alcus

Kevin and Diane Beverly

Robert G. Brewer, Jr.

Patrice King Brickman

Bob Buchanan

Hope Gleicher and Andy Burness

Robin Meisner Cameron

Stewart Edelstein

Jane Fairweather

Jennifer Farkas

Bonnie Fogel

Michelle Freeman

Bonnie and Alan Hammerschlag

Steven Hollman

Anne Khademian

Mimi Brodsky Kress

Catherine Leggett

Carolyn Leonard

Ambassador Connie Morella

Patricia and Craig Ruppert

Mita Schaffer

Hon. Jeffrey Z. Slavin

Rob Smith

Chris Syllaba

Carol Trawick

Verelyn Gibbs Watson

Cliff and Debbie White

Linda and Bob Youngentob

Benefactors

Catherine & Ike Leggett

Shoenberg Family Fund


Leaders

Carl M. Freeman Foundation


Partners

Mary Pat and Darren Alcus

Lesley-Jane Dixon

Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg

Lois Fried

Itaberco Inc.

Karen and Ethan Leder

Meyer Foundation

Craig and Pat Ruppert

Bob and Linda Youngentob


Supporters

Kevin and Diane Beverly

Howard M. Shapiro and Shirley Brandman

Hope Gleicher and Andy Burness

Founders Bank

Alisha and Sean Griffey

Bonnie and Alan Hammerschlag

Mimi Brodsky Kress and Michael Kress

Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.

NFP, an Aon company

Pettit Family Charitable Foundation

Mita Schaffer

Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong

Driscoll PC

United Bank


Together, We Prosper Campaign Donors

Visionary Circle

Terry Beaty and Anne Mehringer

Karen and Ethan Leder

Idris Mokhtarzada


Innovator

Clein-Lemann Esperanza Fund

Naomi Kashtan Horowitz Family Fund


Changemaker

AIM Foundation

Scott and Patrice Brickman Family Fund

Sharon and Bob Buchanan

Carlos and May May Horcasitas

Sanford and Doris Slavin Foundation Fund

William and Susan Taylor


Advocate

Howard M. Shapiro and Shirley Brandman

Alisha and Sean Griffey

Mimi Brodsky Kress and Michael Kress

Kristin Kuehl and Charlie Johnson

Catherine and Ike Leggett

Craig and Denise Pernick

Potomac Financial Consultants

Craig and Pat Ruppert

Shoenberg Family Fund


Builder

Hope Gleicher and Andy Burness

Caro Fund

Robin and Glen Cameron

John Metz and Julie Davis

Lesley-Jane Dixon

Stewart Edelstein

Susan G. Freed

The Solomon and Dorothy Graham Charitable Fund

Francie and Tim Hester

Rose and Harold Kramer Fund

Carolyn Leonard

Dorothea Lyas – Adamson Fund

Dusty and Kristina Rood

Ellen Ross

Robin and Sarah Salomon

Wikler Family Fund  

Mildred Berry Zeigler Memorial Fund


Ally

Gary and Pennie Abramson Family Foundation

Diane & Daniel Berinstein

Audrey Corson and Dan Kazzaz

Julie Crotty

Ann Elliott

Melanie Folstad and Rick McUmber

The McConagha Family Foundation

Ana Morales

Joan Schaffer Charitable Fund

Howard and Leslie Stein Family Foundation

Gail Wasserman

Wraase Family Foundation


Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a Celebration sponsor and join our region’s most influential changemakers in supporting The Community Foundation's mission to create an equitable, just, and thriving community where every person prospers.

If you wish to support The Community Foundation and our Celebration, contact Kate Daniel at [email protected]