Who is Mr. Howard from This Boy's Life and what is their importance?

Mr. Howard is Toby's benefactor. Mr. Howard is a Hill prep school alumni and ends up giving Toby a scholarship to Hill. Mr. Howard is everything Toby wants to be. He is wealthy, dresses well, has a nice wife and most of all, has a close family. Mr. Howard takes Toby under his wing because he believes he is helping a poor kid advance his life. Mr. Howard even buys Toby brand new clothes for prep school.