From graduation celebrations to a record-breaking 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk, we’re reminded of the power of our community. Behind every milestone is a donor, volunteer, and mentor who believes in the potential of every mentee and our nonprofit. Thank you for changing lives.
Growth: A Record-Breaking Run & Walk
Thank you to our sponsors, participants, volunteers, and supporters for helping us surpass our fundraising goal at the OhanaHC 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk, making it our most successful event yet!
The generosity of 45 sponsors and hundreds of community participants enabled us to surpass our fundraising goal and have our most successful run/walk yet! We are especially grateful to our Title Sponsor, Lillian Bauder (The Bauder Fund), and to every individual and organization that invested in the future of our youth.
The incredible support of our community will help us expand opportunities for young people long after race day. Funds raised will support our Pathfinders alumni with post-high school needs including:
- driver’s licenses
- college-related expenses
- career readiness opportunities
We’ll also be able to provide other resources that help young adults take their
next steps with confidence.
We’ll also be able to reach more youth by:
- expanding our after-school programming
- strengthening middle school partnerships
Because of you, more young people will have the support they need to define
and achieve success.
Celebrating Our Graduates
Graduation is a milestone years in the making. We proudly celebrate our graduating seniors as they prepare to take their next steps in life.
Our mentors play a special role in these moments. Aradia’s family welcomed her mentors to a meaningful family graduation party. We are a family, and this is a reminder that mentorship is about building relationships that become a part of a young person’s story.
Congratulations to our graduates. We are incredibly proud of what you’ve
accomplished and excited to see where your journeys lead next.
Gratitude for Our Mentors
For the past six years, Lisa Terry has been a steady source of encouragement, support, and
connection for OhanaHC youth.
“This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not only about guiding a teen, but also learning, growing, and being reminded of the impact that consistent support and connection can make in someone’s life.”
She also co-founded the Howard County Veterans Foundation, which raised millions of dollars to build a Veterans and Family Monument.
Mentors like Lisa embody what makes OhanaHC special: showing up consistently, building trust, and helping young people realize their potential.
Thank you, Lisa, for your years of service and dedication.
Know someone who would make a great mentor? School may be out for summer, but we’re already planning for next year. Connect them with us to learn more!
Gratitude for Our Board Members
Strong organizations are built on strong leadership, and we’re grateful for the dedicated Board Members whose service is ending:
- Cindy Sandler – Vice Chair
- Marcy Leonard – Member
- Danielle Smith – Member
- Jay Vidyarthi – Member
Their guidance, vision, and commitment have helped shape OhanaHC’s growth and impact,
ensuring that more young people have access to caring mentors and life-changing opportunities.
We appreciate your time, commitment, and insights as we grow and connect Howard County youth.
The celebration honored our graduating seniors while recognizing the accomplishments of all of our youth throughout the school year. It was a chance for mentors, families, volunteers, and supporters to come together and celebrate the relationships that make our community strong.
The school year may be ending, but the impact of mentoring continues year-round. Every conversation, shared experience, and supportive relationship helps young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so memorable.
Because of you, we can hold these community-wide events. Every donation makes a difference.