John Howie Restaurants has been selected as a recipient of the 2014 Corporations for Communities award, which honors exceptional Washington businesses that make helping the community a priority.

The Bellevue-based group, led by chef Howie from Redmond, is one of two winners of the large-company category.

Companies with 100 or more employees are considered large companies and those with fewer than 100 employees are small companies.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman will present four companies with a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award during a ceremony in her office at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12. The Medallion Award recognizes civic engagement, voter education efforts, government services and a commitment to giving back to the community.

“Washington is blessed to have many companies that give back to their communities, so I’m excited to honor several of these caring corporations that make a difference,” said Wyman.

John Howie Restaurants was nominated for taking part in several charitable acts, events and functions, including hosting free holiday dinners for low-income and homeless people. The restaurant group has partnered with Craig Terrill and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Kick Hunger Challenge.