Chef John Howie accepted one of four 2014 Corporations for Communities awards at the Washington Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia on Nov. 12.

Howie and his Bellevue-based John Howie Restaurants were honored for their commitment to the community, also receiving from Secretary of State Kim Wyman a National Association for Secretaries of State Medallion Award.

John Howie Restaurants was nominated for taking part in several charitable acts and events, including hosting free holiday dinners for low-income and homeless people, as well as its partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and Craig Terrill for the NFL Kick Hunger Challenge.

John Howie Restaurants will open a new restaurant in Bothell at The Village at Beardslee Crossing.