17th Annual John W. Holland Awards Dinner

Thank you to all who made Community Action Council’s 17th Annual Holland Awards Dinner, held October 17, 2012 at Turf Valley Resort & Conference Center, a success. Over 300 guests joined us to honor two deserving individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of low-income individuals in Howard County: Dr. Sydney Cousin, former Superintendant of Howard County Public Schools, and Mr. Bernie Dancel, CEO of and representing the Ascend One Corporation.

Guests, including many local elected officials, businessmen and women, and nonprofit leaders, were treated to a moving keynote speech from Kevin Anderson, Athletic Director of the University of Maryland. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown spoke about the need to support those in our community who are in need.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support many CAC programs including the Howard County Food Bank, Head Start, Energy Assistance, Housing Assistance, Weatherization, and the Community Garden.

A big thank you to the evening’s many ticketholders and sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Apple Ford and Wegmans. We look forward to the 2013 Holland Awards Dinner!

Reverend John W. Holland

Reverend John W. Holland Humanitarian Award Criteria For Selection of Awardee

Humanitarian award nominees will be evaluated on three criteria: basic requirements, community contribution, and leadership/example.

The basic requirements that must be met to receive the Humanitarian Award are the following:

1. High standing and respect within the community, and

2. Prior association and/or involvement with CAC or work central to CAC's mission.

The community contribution component consists of having a history of community and county-wide service in the areas of human services, health, education, and/or faith communities.

The Leadership/Example criteria consists of three factors:

1. Community and organizational inspirational leader and role model,

2. Demonstrates ability to successfully lead community toward positive goals, and

3. Mobilizes others to higher goals.

Recipients of The CAC Holland Awards Dinner Humanitarian Award

1992 Rev. John W. Holland

1994 Dr. Silas Craft, Sr.

1995 Dr. Morris Woodson

1996 Mr. James W. Rouse

1997 Mrs. May Ruth Seidel

1998 Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr.

1999 Mrs. Jean W. Toomer

2000 Mrs. Leola Dorsey

2001 Mrs. Celonia Walden

2003 Dr. C. Vernon Gray

2004 Senator Robert H. Kittleman

2006 Mr. Victor Broccolino

2007 Ms. Barbara Lawson

2008 Delegate Elizabeth Bobo

2009 Willis McGahee

2011 David Weeks

2012 Dr. Sydney L. Cousin