Community Foundation of Carroll County to Honor Local Heroes at 2026 We Are Carroll Awards:
Rooted & Rising Together
Annual awards show returns September 23 to Carroll Arts Center, celebrating its 18th year of recognizing Carroll County's nonprofits and volunteers
WESTMINSTER, MD — The Community Foundation of Carroll County will celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping life in Carroll County at the 2026 We Are Carroll Awards: Rooted & Rising Together, set for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Carroll Arts Center.
Now in its 18th year, the We Are Carroll Awards brings together local business and community leaders for an evening honoring the passion, dedication, and vision of Carroll County's philanthropic community.
The Class of 2026 honorees and nominees include: Rising Star Award: Rachel's Bears Rooted in the Community Award: America's Warriors Care Package Projects Sylvia Canon Legacy Award: Mr. Melvin Blizzard, Jr. BFF Award Nominees: Emily Barriere (Umbrella Wellness Recovery Residences), Stacey Tracey (Westminster Elementary PTO), and Tom & Sharon Templeton (Carroll County Diaper Bank) — with the winner announced live at the event
"There is no room in our community for unsung heroes — and the We Are Carroll Awards makes sure of it," said Jaclyn Mathias, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. "In our 18th year, we continue a tradition that Carroll County has come to treasure, gathering together as a community to say thank you."
All proceeds from the event benefit the Audrey Cimino Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation, supporting the long-term sustainability of the Community Foundation of Carroll County.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for local businesses and community members who wish to support this year's honorees and the foundation's mission.
Sponsors are recognized in the weeks leading up to the event and throughout the evening itself. Details on sponsorship levels are available on our website. For more information about the 2026 We Are Carroll Awards, including ticket and sponsorship information, visit our online donation page.
About the Community Foundation of Carroll County The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports a network of more than 300 nonprofits and scholarship funds across Carroll County, connecting donors with causes that strengthen the community.
The Community Foundation of Carroll County is not providing any goods or services in exchange for gifts made in connection with this event. Tax ID 52-1865244.
# # #
Contact: Jaclyn Mathias, Executive Director Community Foundation of Carroll County 410-876-5505 | jmathias@wearecarroll.org | 
