The first annual Community Impact Award was awarded to the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education. In its fifth year, the Collaboration includes representatives from many local agencies, schools and governments with its mission being to support families through high-quality child care and education so that every child will have the opportunity to develop to his/her full potential. The Collaboration has offered hundreds of hours of free professional development to child care providers, sponsored literacy events for families, and advocated for preschool support. The award was presented to Chair Eric Gershenson and Coordinator Chris Meier at the annual Celebration Event in June.