Compassion. It’s a word that describes Leo Zerhusen’s life and what led to his founding HOPE For All 18 years ago. In his early years as a school teacher, Zerhusen witnessed the difficulty some of his students faces as their families struggled to meet basic needs. “Their troubles became mine,” he said.

So, with the help of his wife, Zerhusen harnessed a network of volunteers, governmental and nonprofit partners, and churches and local businesses, and created an indispensable resource for people in need. Since 2004, HOPE has clothed thousands and turned 3,500 houses into homes. To honor his years of hard work and dedication, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) awarded him with the Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award at its 22nd annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon on Nov. 3.

People like Zerhusen truly make a difference in our county. They not only change lives, but also inspire others. That’s why, for the last 22 years, CFAAC has honored extraordinary community members and organizations, like Zerhusen, who give back and invest in the community.

This year’s event in Annapolis celebrated eight community members and six local professional advisers who have encouraged and embraced philanthropy.

Celebration of Philanthropy Award Winners

Leo Zerhusen, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s 2021 Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Awardee. (David Trozzo)

In addition to Zerhusen’s ifetime achievement award, named for CFAAC’s founder, the late Carol Thompson, here are the other award recipients:

CFAAC’s Philanthropist of the Year Award was presented to Carol Sisco, who not only contributes to organizations like the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park through direct financial support, but demonstrates outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility and exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy.

CFAAC’s Volunteer of the Year, Tatiana Klein, also advances philanthropy by giving her time. Klein has committed to improve the quality of life for Hispanics and other youths and has had an impact with her extensive volunteerism.

Similarly, Ella Edwards, CFAAC’s Young Volunteer of the Year award recipient, has made a difference in the community. Only one year after being diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma, Edwards began hosting local toy drives, blood drives and fundraisers. She also demonstrated a commitment beyond our county by raising more than $50,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Bruce Morgenstern, who works extensivley with local nonprofits, is CFAAC’s Boots on the Ground Award recipient. Morgenstern goes above and beyond to meet community needs through mobilizing resources, leading by example, serving, advocating and volunteering for those in need.

The Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy was presented to Calandra Dixon Layne for her work on energizing the Junior League of Annapolis’ efforts to further integrate diversity, equity and inclusion. Named in honor of Carroll H. Hynson, Jr., a founding CFAAC board member, this award honors Dixon Layne for championing acceptance, respect and inclusion for all.

CFAAC presented Live! Casino Hotel Maryland with its Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award. From its executive team to its employees, Live! has had a positive impact on people throughout Anne Arundel County, through financial support and volunteer efforts.

CFAAC’s Legacy Award for Planned Giving recognizes philanthropists who have made a significant contribution to local nonprofits using a planned gift. This year, CFAAC recognized the late Donald and Emily Sheets, devoted community members and lifelong academics, for their generosity and positive impact.

Professional Advisory Recognition Society

CFAAC also announced the launch of its new Professional Advisors Recognition Society at the event, naming six inductees to its inaugural class. CFAAC created the society to acknowledge professional advisors for their commitment and service to the community and their work to support philanthropy and to encourage charitable giving in the county.

The 2022 inductees are Frank Campbell, Sims & Campbell; Christine W. Hubbard, Law Offices of Christine Hubbard, LLC; Michael E. Lehr, Sims & Campbell; Chadwick Watson, Charter Financial Group; Karen M. Whaley, Karen M. Whaley, CPA and Richard T. Wright, The Wright Firm.

All of CFAAC’s honorees exemplify philanthropy’s power to create a better life and showcase what makes Anne Arundel County a wonderful place to live. Read their inspiring stories at cfaac.org.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects.

This story was originally printed in the November 13, 2022 edition of the CAPITAL GAZETTE.