Blossoms of Hope – Since coming to Ellicott City, HEC has been a generous sponsor of Blossoms of Hope, which contributes to saving lives through breast cancer research and Plants cherry trees and shrubbery to beautify public property in parks and local communities in Howard County. Blossoms of Hope presents an annual 5K race, The Hills of Milltown 5K Challenge, which HEC serves as a sponsor to every year.