SOAK IT UP!
2025
Join Us
Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening at our Annual Soak It Up! Fundraiser! Indulge in delectable catering, groove to live music that'll set the perfect vibe, and seize the opportunity to expand your network with like-minded individuals passionate about environmental conservation. Don't miss out on this exclusive event where every moment promises to be filled with inspiration and connection!
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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Beverage by The Wine Bin
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And a raffle
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Special Guests:
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Calvin Ball, Howard County Government Executive​
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Deb Jung, Howard County Council Member
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Christiana Rigby, Howard County Council Member
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David Yungmann, Howard County Council Member
Menu
OBX Scallop Ceviche
Tender bay scallops, grilled corn, and avocado doused with lime juice & cilantro.
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.
Pork Belly Bao Buns
Ginger & chili pork, cucumber kimchi, in a fluffy steamed bun
Cucumber Kimchi Spoon
Classic Korean spice in the plant forward, gluten free offering. ​​​​​
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 - 6:30
Doors Open
Check in to the event during this time at the front table. There will be live music, catering, games, & more.
6:30 - 7:00
Event Kick Off! | Speeches & Awards
Lori Lilly, Founder & Executive Director of Howard EcoWorks, will launch the event. Board members will introduce special guest, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. And Soak It Up! awards will be presented.
7:00 - 7:30
Photo Opportunity
We will have a photographer available until 7:30, after speeches, in front of the photo op area.
7:00 - 8:30
Networking & Entertainment
After speeches & awards, the event will be open for networking, interactive games, live music, catering, and beverages. Don't miss your chance to enter our raffle and silent auction!
8:00 - 8:30
Last Call | Raffle and Beverages
An announcement will be made at 8 pm on last call to enter the raffle and to purchase a beverage before the bar closes.
8:30 - 9:00
Raffle Time!
At 8:30 pm, we will begin the raffle and announce the winners. We will also announce the winners for the Silent Auction. Additionally, the bar will be closed at this time. The event ends at 9 pm!
BECOME A SPONSOR
Annual 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 brought growth and success as a leader for environmental and social change in Howard County, MD and beyond.
MEET OUR 2025 SPONSORS
White Oak Sponsors
Anonymous Donor!
Eastern Redbud Sponsors
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Our Mission
Howard EcoWorks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and a regional force for social and environmental change, dedicated to empowering communities and diverse workforces to conserve and restore our natural resources for future generations. Our vision is to create innovative solutions, partnerships, and a skilled workforce to support resilient communities.
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Soak It Up! is our annual fundraising event where we celebrate our projects and program participants while providing networking opportunities for sponsors, donors, and clients.
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Last year, fundraising efforts supported the purchase of our new property, Holly Hills, located in Glenwood, MD. This year our efforts will focus on the growth and development of Holly Hills to make it into a functional and operational space for our vision.
Additionally, your support will help us continue to engage and educate the community about environmental issues, while creating pathways to green jobs through our workforce development programs.
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Join us in making a positive impact on the environment and communities in and around Howard County. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
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Planting 1,449 native trees and shrubs.
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Installed 4,460 native plants.
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Installed 9,145 ft2 of conservation landscaping.
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Visited 309 Project sites that included conservation landscaping, forest management, stream restoration, and maintenance.
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Created 46 employment opportunities with staff Positions, seasonal positions, and internships.
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Engaged 35 program participants through UpLift, READY, and EcoAmbassadors.
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Providing 113 professional development opportunities to our workforce development program participant crews.
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Engaged in 764 hours of volunteer towards beautification, clean up, and gardening efforts.
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And educated hundreds of people in our community with messages of environmental sustainability.
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And acquiring a new property in Glenwood, MD to call our home!
SINCE 2024 WE ACCOMPLISHED:
SPONSORS FROM 2024
Located in Ellicott City
Scribner & Mary Jo Messenger
