Comptroller Franchot Presents Multiple Schaefer Awards
Recipients in Allegany, Caroline, Garrett, Somerset and St. Mary's are honored for their commitment to community
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (November 12, 2020) - Comptroller Franchot has virtually presented the remaining 2019 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Awards to honorees in Allegany, Caroline, Garrett, Somerset and St. Mary's counties.
"I offer my heartfelt appreciation and sincere congratulations to all Schaefer Award winners," Comptroller Franchot said. "I am awestruck by your willingness to step up and help the most vulnerable in our society. Every Marylander should be proud and inspired by your incredible efforts."
In Allegany County, Dorian Birkholz received the Helping People Award for her work with the Western Maryland Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic, providing free dental treatment to adults who could not otherwise afford it.
Judge Owen Wise received the nod for Caroline County for his critical advocacy of neglected and abused children, ensuring they received desperately needed care and services. He was also recognized for founding CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Caroline County to further those efforts.
In Garrett County, Phyllis Trickett was honored for her lifelong work to achieve women's equality, from equal pay to Title IX. She was also recognized for founding the Dove Center to provide safety, advocacy and counseling to individuals whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Garland Hayward accepted the Somerset County award on behalf of the Garland Hayward Youth Center, established for the afterschool mentoring program he designed that provides a safe place for children to interact with supportive adults, which translates into better school performance and leads to more productive lives.
And in St. Mary's County, Harry and Debbie Pool were recognized for establishing Hits 4 Heroes, a local nonprofit organization working with American Legion Post 54 to provide financial assistance to wounded combat veterans and local law enforcement. The group raises money through annual softball tournaments and several fundraisers held throughout the county.
Since 2012, Comptroller Franchot has annually traveled to each of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions to honor an individual or organization serving their community. This year, all Schaefer Award presentations were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual press releases were sent announcing each of the honorees, along with links to view the virtual ceremonies.
Comptroller Franchot also encouraged Marylanders to submit nominations for the 2020 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award. The deadline is Monday, November 30.
To submit your nomination, print out and complete this form, scan and attach it as a pdf to an email, and send to moprey@marylandtaxes.gov. For more information about the award, call 443-955-0223.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Susan O'Brien - sobrien@marylandtaxes.gov
443-875-8540 (mobile)
Maureen O'Prey - moprey@marylandtaxes.gov
443-955-0223 (mobile)
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