Columbia, MD - October 26, 2009 - Chase Brexton Health Services and Michael W. Davis each received awards at The Columbia Foundation’s annual dinner held Wednesday October 21 at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, Maryland.

Chase Brexton Health Services received the “Casey Willis Making a Difference” award, presented by Dave and Amy Willis, son and daughter of the late Dr. Eugene and Casey Willis, and John Willis, brother of Dr. Willis. Ms. Willis was a longtime community activist in Howard County whose family established the award with The Columbia Foundation in her memory. Each year the family selects a nonprofit organization that has had a significant impact on the lives of Howard County residents. Prior to his death this past August, Dr. Willis had presented the award at the Foundation dinner each year.

The Willis family presented Brooks Woodward, D.D.S., Director of Dental Services with the $5,000 cash award in recognition of the organization’s activities. Chase Brexton Health Services works in partnership with the Howard County Health Department and Public School System to provide dental education, screenings, fluoride treatments and sealants to uninsured or under-insured pre-K to 2nd graders in the county’s Title 1 schools. From 2008 to 2009, over 3400 students participated in the education program and 1500 were screened and referred. Over 1400 received fluoride treatments and nearly 600 had sealants applied.

The Columbia Foundation Board of Trustees awarded former Columbia Foundation trustee Michael W. Davis with the James W. Rouse Award. Presented only on occasion, this award recognizes an individual’s extraordinary commitment to both The Columbia Foundation and the community.

One of the principals of the Columbia, Maryland law firm Davis, Agnor, Rapaport and Skalny, Michael W. Davis served on The Columbia Foundation’s board for 13 years, first as board member, then as Secretary, Vice Chair and eventually Chairman. Under his guidance, the Foundation evolved into an organization that people turn to for planning their charitable giving.

On the Howard County Commission on Aging for ten years, Mr. Davis served as Chair or Vice-Chair for much of that time and also as a member of the Howard County Senior Housing Master Plan Task Force. In keeping with his expertise as well as his commitment to giving back, he served on the Elder Law Council of the Maryland State Bar Association, again in the capacity of Chair. He was one of the founders of the Maryland/D.C. Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. In 2003, then-Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed him Chair of the Howard County Judicial Nominating Commission, a position he held until 2007.

For his nine years on the Howard Community College Educational Foundation and his service as Chair of their Planned Giving Committee, he was awarded an honorary degree in 2007. Mr. Davis also has been active with grassroots organizations that advocate for the development of Columbia’s downtown. He is founder of Downtown Columbia Forum, co-founder of Bring Back the Vision, and a member of Columbia Tomorrow and New City Alliance.

Founded in 1969, the Foundation has awarded over $10 million in grants to Howard County nonprofit organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Money for the grant programs comes primarily from income generated by the Foundation’s endowment supported by over 240 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information on The Columbia Foundation, visit www.columbiafoundation.org or call 410-730-7840.