2025 Celebration of Giving – Honoring Cathy Bernard2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year
On November 20, over 300 friends, partners, and supporters from across Montgomery County gathered at Imagination Stage for the annual Celebration of Giving honoring Cathy Bernard, President & Founder of HCM Corp, as the 2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.
The Celebration comes at a critical time, as residents across our region continue to grapple with the impact of federal workforce reductions and cuts to federal and local funding.
“Through all the turmoil and upheaval, The Community Foundation brings us together to catalyze and act as a community,” Stew Edelstein, Vice Chair of The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board shared as he kicked off the event. “We are so grateful for their constant guidance and advocacy, as we seek to support the growing needs in our region.”
“There are enough headlines that foreshadow the challenges to come,” Anna Hargrave, Executive Director for Montgomery County shared. “Tonight, we must fore-brighten our path forward.”
Hargrave reported on how The Community Foundation and its network of inspiring nonprofit partners and generous fundholders in Montgomery County have stepped up to meet the moment – distributing more than $10.3 million in grants to organizations across the county this past year.
Part of that response has included revitalizing The Community Foundation’s Community Resilience Initiative, which has deployed critical resources to support critical needs and convene, support, and advocate for the sector.
“None of this work would be possible without the generous support of fundholders and philanthropic leaders who continue to show up for our region,” shared Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “Together, we continue to respond to our community’s most urgent needs and build a stronger region where everyone thrives.”
In Montgomery County, few individuals personify this spirit more than the evening’s honoree, Cathy Bernard. Cathy approaches philanthropy with the same skills that made her successful in business—tremendous drive and hands-on leadership.
“I’m a doer. I’m a fixer,” Cathy shared. “My whole life is figuring out the best way to accomplish something.”
Guided by her personal slogan “Cathy Cares”, Cathy’s professional and philanthropic journey led her to have an incredible impact with nonprofit organizations from across Montgomery County – from the Ivymount School and Sunflower Bakery in Rockville, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, the Up-County Hub in Germantown, and many more. She helped establish the endowment for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic to fuel its vital work in perpetuity. She also convenes a leadership group for female executives and nonprofit leaders. Known by nonprofit leaders and County Councilmembers alike, Cathy is famous for being direct and unshakeable in her philanthropic approach.
Click here to read more about Cathy’s philanthropic legacy!
“Philanthropy isn’t just about the money,” Cathy shared during a fireside chat with friend and long-time Community Foundation Montgomery County Advisory Board Chair Emerita, Catherine Leggett. “Philanthropy is about giving of yourself; your time and effort. It’s about making other people happy and finding ways to enlighten those around you who come from different walks of life.”
When asked what message she wanted to leave about her legacy, Cathy shared the following quote:
‘Rivers do not drink their own water;
Trees do not eat their own fruit;
The Sun does not shine on itself
And Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.’
‘Living for others is a rule of nature.
Life is good when you are happy –
But much better when others are happy because of you!
A special thank you to all of our Community Champions and Event Sponsors who made this Celebration of Giving event possible!
Click here for more pictures from the 2025 Celebration of Giving!