2024 The Harris Family Foundation
Philanthropist of the Year Award
Scholarships offer hope to youth who face financial barriers, turning the seemingly impossible dream of attending college or vocational training school into a reality and setting the stage for lifelong success. No one knows that better than the 90 recipients who received scholarships from The Harris Family Foundation since 2005. Named in memory of the late Benjamin and Suzanne Harris, the scholarship fund has awarded more than $100,000 to students of all ages who have decided to pursue a higher education or skill to better their lives. The Foundation also presented monetary gifts to students who were eligible for the scholarship but did not receive the larger scholarship award.
Michele Reese knows firsthand that the support of The Harris Family Foundation helps young people bring their dreams to life. Her daughter and son both received a scholarship through the Foundation.
“We are forever grateful knowing that there are still people in this world that genuinely want to see the youth of this world succeed and are actively doing their part to help; it really means a lot,” said Michele. “With the increasing fees that come with pursuing a higher education, this scholarship helps with the financial responsibility placed on families as students try to better themselves and contribute to our world community as a whole.”
The Harris Family Foundation Inc. formerly known as The Jet Set Social Club Inc., is a family-based organization established in 1976 by the children of Benjamin and Suzanne Harris. Initially established to support local churches, little league organized sports, and other clubs and organizations that were championing the community, the Foundation now funds scholarships to area youth for college or skills-based education. The organization receives contributions from private donors and also holds various fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for the scholarships. In fact, the Foundation was known for hosting one of the largest Crab Feasts and Bull Roasts in Anne Arundel County from 1976-2018 to raise funds to support their scholarship fund.
In addition to scholarships awarded, the Foundation supports a number of other local and national organizations including but not limited to American Cancer Society, Brooklyn Park Hope Festival, Bates Legacy Center, United Negro College Fund, and the Annapolis Juneteenth Gala, Festival and Parade. They are NAACP Organization Life Members and have sponsored both the Keep It Movin’ Health Walk and Heart Disease Awareness Event for eight years.
The Harris Family Foundation was also recognized by the Anne Arundel County Branch of the NAACP and at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner when it received the Coretta Scott King Award in 2024 for their outstanding commitment to the community.
“The Coretta Scott King Award is designed to highlight the importance of community organizations working to fulfill their commitment to make their community a better place to live,” said Carl Snowden, Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. “The Harris Family Foundation has been fulling that commitment since its inception in 1976.”
The Harris Family Foundation was nominated by Phyllis Tee Adams.
This award is presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through significant direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility, exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County. This award is based on the individual’s or family’s direct gift support, the impact of that support, success in encouraging/motivating others to become philanthropic leaders and support of innovative approaches.