Breadcoin grew again in 2025 thanks to generous donors, committed vendor partners, and volunteers who give their time and energy week after week. In Baltimore, Washington DC, Tampa, and Harrisburg, more neighbors are walking into local restaurants and using Breadcoin with dignity. That growth is not automatic. It happens because people decide to make it happen.

The Cary Umhau Community Leadership Award recognizes the people and partners who quietly make Breadcoin work in real neighborhoods.

Local restaurants advocate for Breadcoin in their communities and make it possible for neighbors to use it with dignity. They step up during moments of crisis so meals remain accessible. Volunteers prepare coins, build partnerships, host gatherings, and show up week after week, so that no one is turned away.

Vendors of the Year

We are proud to recognize this year’s Vendors of the Year: D&B Deli & Smoothie Shop (Baltimore, MD), Dos Gringos (Washington, DC), Westchase BBQ (Tampa, FL), and Homemade Caribbean & Soul (Harrisburg, PA).

At the Mill on North, D&B Deli was the first vendor to accept Breadcoin, helping pave the way for others to participate. Dos Gringos continues to make Breadcoin part of everyday restaurant life in Mount Pleasant and keeps the doors open for everyone. Westchase BBQ responds when needs increase, including during hurricane recovery, ensuring meals remain accessible. Homemade Caribbean & Soul has become a trusted partner at gatherings that bring families and youth together around generous meals.

All their teams strengthen both their communities and their local economies by making Breadcoin part of their everyday work.

Community Advocate and Volunteer of the Year

Our Community Advocate and Volunteer of the Year recipients are Karla Ransom (Baltimore, MD), Wanda Spence (Washington, DC), Ken Stein (Washington, DC), Olga Siegenthaler (Tampa, FL), and Nesha Hubbard (Harrisburg, PA).

They organize, welcome, prepare, advocate, and return week after week. Karla helped bring every vendor at the Mill on North into the Breadcoin initiative. Wanda creates welcoming spaces at meals and distributions. Ken faithfully volunteers at weekly distributions, supports restaurant partnerships, and leads monthly coin rolling events to prepare Breadcoins for neighbors in need. Olga, one of the first volunteers in Florida, has helped build strong vendor and sponsor relationships. Nesha has consistently served at summer camps, ensuring young people experience meals with dignity year after year.

Their work is steady and often behind the scenes, but you can see it in stronger partnerships, full tables, and neighbors who feel welcome.

The Cary Umhau Community Leadership Award carries the name of Breadcoin co-founder Cary Umhau, as a way to recognize her commitment to help establish our community-funded token model and to care for vulnerable members of our community.