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Horizon Presents Leadership Award to Susan Rosenbaum; Howard High Recognized for Service and Philanthropy

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
 

The winners of the Sixth Annual Horizon Foundation Awards have been announced by Richard M. Krieg, president and chief executive officer of the Foundation. The recipients will be honored at an awards breakfast June 3, 2009 at the Hawthorn Center in Columbia.

Susan RosenbaumThe organization’s Richard G. McCauley Leadership Award will be presented to Susan Rosenbaum, Director of the Howard County Department of Citizen Services.

The award is named in honor of The Horizon Foundation's first Board Chair.

"Susan has played a transformative role in the local human services arena," said Krieg.  "She's turned the agency into one of the most proactive in county government. We’ve been impressed by the Human Services Master Plan she spearheaded, as well as by her leadership in expanding services throughout the county." He pointed to Rosenbaum's role in developing the North Laurel-Savage Multiservice Center.

Rosenbaum has spent three decades in public service, starting her career in Howard County as a staff member of the Office on Aging, which she later led before moving up to assistant director and now director of Citizen Services.

Rosenbaum is also a highly regarded community volunteer, serving on many boards, frequently in a leadership position.  She is well-known for her support of the American Cancer Society and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Change MattersHoward High School will receive the Connections Youth Asset Development Award.  Students Che Brown, Walker Smith and Alison Spatz will accept on behalf of the school. 

"Howard High is really distinguished by a culture of service and philanthropy," Krieg said.  "This results from engaged adults and students who want to make a difference in the community."

Brown, Smith and Spatz led a student drive to buy playground equipment for homeless children sheltered at Grassroots, Howard County’s 24-hour crisis intervention center. The campaign, called "Change Matters," involved the collection of coins from students and school staff.  It raised $5,000, $3,000 of which came from the Student Government Association.

The Day Resource Center, which provides refuge and support for the chronically homeless, will receive the Foundation’s Health Action Award. 

"What is remarkable about the Day Resource Center,” Krieg noted, "is that hundreds of volunteers have given their time and energy to connect with a group that's nearly invisible in affluent Howard County."

Since July, when it first opened, over 300 people have come to the Center for prepared meals, food and clothing, or case management, medical or legal services.  In addition, tents and heaters were provided for people living outdoors over the winter.

Volunteer Joe Willmott, who has been involved since the project’s inception, will accept the award on behalf of the Day Resource Center.

Malynda Hawes
MadzelThe Community Appreciation Award will be presented to Malynda Hawes Madzel, a long time community activist with a history of business, service and philanthropic leadership. She is the past chair of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and The Columbia Foundation and served on the Board of The Horizon Foundation.

The Horizon Foundation, Howard County’s largest philanthropy, addresses community health issues through strategic grants, community programs and partnerships with private and public institutions.

Jean Moon & Associates            CONTACT: Rich Krieg, 410-715-0311
410-730-0316
jeanmoon@verizon.net

Watch the 'Change Matters' Video: