4th Annual
SOAK IT UP!
Join Us
Get ready to celebrate 10 years of Howard EcoWorks at our 4th Annual Soak It Up! fundraiser! Join us for an evening of live music, great food and drinks, community connection, and celebration as we reflect on a decade of conservation, workforce development, and community impact while looking ahead to the future.
This year, your support will help us continue developing Holly Hills as a hub for environmental education, workforce development, community connection, conservation, and our Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery. Come celebrate this milestone with us, connect with our community, and help build the next decade of Howard EcoWorks!
We will have:
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Live music by The Wafflers
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Catering by Crave Catering CO
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Beverages by The Wine Bin
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Raffle prizes, lawn games, and more
Special Guests:
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To Be Announced Soon
Menu
OBX Scallop Ceviche
Tender bay scallops, grilled corn, and avocado doused with lime juice & cilantro.
Cucumber Kimchi Spoon
Classic Korean spice in the plant forward, gluten free offering.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Chef's Selection of Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie such as apricots, pistachios, crackers, crisps honey and spicy bacon jam.
Angus Sliders,
Herb Aioli
Not the sliders we grew up with, with Angus beef, cheddar, herb and garlic aioli on toasted sweet Hawaiian bread.
Mushroom & Goat
Cheese Tart
Mushroom duxelles, white wine, and goat's cheese in pastry.
Dessert & Drinks
A variety of mini French pastries such as éclairs, cream puffs, cheesecake, and more. Additionally, Wine Bin will be creating a signature cocktail drink.
Schedule
6:00 - 7:00
Doors Open and Happy Hour
Check in to the event and join us for live music, food, drinks, raffles, games, & more.
6:00 - 7:30
Photo Opportunity
We will have a photographer available until 7:30.
8:30
Last Call | Raffle and Beverages
An announcement will be made for last call to enter the raffle and to purchase a beverage before the bar closes.
7:00 - 7:45
Event Kick Off! | Presentation & Awards
Alec Lynde, Executive Director of Howard EcoWorks, will kicks things off by sharing an update on all the amazing things we accomplished this year, what's still to come, and will present Soak It Up! awards.
7:45 - 8:30
Entertainment & Networking
After speeches & awards, the event will be open for more networking, games, live music, food, and beverages. Don't miss your chance to enter our raffle!
8:30 - 9:00
Raffle Time!
At 8:30 pm, we will begin the raffle and announce the winners. The event ends at 9 pm!
WHY SUPPORT US?
We're Developing Holly Hills
Over 10 years, Howard EcoWorks has grown from a single summer program and rented spaces into a year-round organization with a permanent home.
We’re investing in that home to expand our programs, restore the land, and grow Seeds of Change Native Plant Nursery into a year-round operation.
We're Building a Better Tomorrow
We're an active part of storm water management solutions that protect our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
We actively work with local counties to remove invasive plant species, plant trees, and install native plant gardens to address erosion, stormwater, forest health, and habitat loss.
We're Training Tomorrow's Green Leaders
Our workforce development programs offering, training, certifications, & pathways into the green industry for vulnerable populations.
Our programs engage in conservation work, while engaging in career training. For many participants it's their first job or a pivotal step in the environmental sector.
We are a Reliable Community Leader
Our organization has grown from a small summer program to a year-round enterprise that provides career pathways and creates real climate impact in local communities.
We've established trust and a solid reputation with the Howard County Government and Maryland State which can be reflected in our partnerships.
IN 2025 WE ACCOMPLISHED:
1,008 native trees and shrubs planted
Relocated Seeds of Change nursery to Holly Hills & made several improvements to the property
7,634 native perennial plants installed
Engaged with hundreds of community members through outreach, workshops, and educational content
11,660 ft2 of conservation landscaping installed
47 employment opportunities with staff Positions, seasonal positions, and internships
104 professional development opportunities to our workforce development program participant crews
482 volunteer towards beautification, clean up, and gardening efforts engaged
235 Project sites that included conservation landscaping, forest management, stream restoration, and maintenance
BECOME A SPONSOR
Your sponsorship provides critical financial support for both programming and organizational infrastructure to ensure the sustained mission success of Howard EcoWorks. Since its inception, Howard EcoWorks has demonstrated our impact as a leader for regional environmental and social change in Howard County and beyond - and we want you to be a part of that story.
Watershed Visionary
($5,000)
Tickets: 16
Website:
-Your logo featured on both the Soak It Up! event page and the Howard EcoWorks homepage.
Social Media:
-Two dedicated social media thank-you posts recognizing your sponsorship and leadership support.
At the Event:
-Premium sponsor signage and a dedicated display area.
-Opportunity to make 2-minute remarks during the event.
Newsletter:
-Thank you recognition in our newsletter, including a monthly sponsor highlight.
Personal Holly Hills site tour:
-Opportunity to take a personal tour of Holly Hills with EcoWorks Executive Director, Alec Lynde
Woodland Guardian
($2,500)
Tickets: 8
Website:
-Your logo featured on the Soak It Up! event page.
Social Media:
-Dedicated social media thank-you post recognizing your sponsorship and support.
At the Event:
-Your logo featured on event signage, along with a dedicated display area.
Newsletter:
-Thank you recognition in our newsletter, including a monthly sponsor highlight.
Habitat Champion
($1,000)
Tickets: 4
Website:
-Your logo featured on the Soak It Up! event page.
Social Media:
-Dedicated social media thank-you post recognizing your sponsorship and support.
At the Event:
-Your organization listed among our event sponsors.
Newsletter:
-Thank you recognition in our newsletter.
Garden Builder
($500)
Tickets: 2
Website:
-Your logo featured on the Soak It Up! event page.
Social Media:
-Combined social media thank-you post recognizing our Soak It Up! sponsors.
At the Event:
-Your organization listed among our event sponsors.
Newsletter:
-Thank you recognition in our newsletter.
MAKE A DONATION
Can't attend Soak It Up! but still want to contribute?
Even if you can’t join us in person, you can still support Soak It Up! with a donation of any amount. Your gift helps us continue developing Holly Hills and the green jobs training, hands-on conservation, and community engagement growing from this special place.
MEET OUR 2026 SPONSORS
