A Tribute to Bernie and Connie Dancel raised over $100,000 to fund services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Dancels were presented the 2011 Jim Greenfield Award for Compassionate Leadership by The Arc of Howard County at a Hawaiian-themed dinner in the couple’s honor.

 The Award for Compassionate Leadership was established in honor of Howard County resident and businessman Jim Greenfield, Columbia Builders founder and long time supporter of The Arc.

 The Dancels are noted for their personal philanthropy, particularly on behalf of children, as well as for the corporate generosity of Ascend One Corp., the Howard County-based business that Bernie Dancel founded.  The Dancels have provided financial support for The Arc of Howard County through personal and corporate gifts to the capital campaign, endowment fund, annual campaign and frequent sponsorships, as well as by opening their home for The Arc events.

Dozens of other local and regional nonprofit organizations are supported by Ascend One Corp. and the Dancels, who have made leadership gifts to the Howard County Y, Howard County General Hospital and Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, as well as established funds at The Columbia Foundation.  Their community service includes such hands-on volunteerism with young people in the community as Bernie serving as a football coach and Connie as a cheerleading coach.  They have engaged their own children in their philanthropy and community service. 

 The Arc of Howard County provides residential, employment and family support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

 Presenting sponsor for the tribute to the Dancels was Gordon Feinblatt Rothman Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC.  Gold sponsors were Garson Claxton, LLC; Hostetler Church, LLC; and Strategies, Inc.  Silver Sponsors included Howard County General Hospital, M&T Charitable Foundation, Martek Global, Offit Kurman, David and Eileen Powell and Ryan Russell-Star Nine Ventures.