John Hollis honored during Boys and Girls Club sign dedication

The Minority Educational Regional Incentive Training (MERIT) held a dedication ceremony at the Boys & Girls Club last Saturday in Seaford. The event honored co-founder John Hollis, who had been awarded the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the First State, by former Governor John Carney. The funds associated with the recognition helped support a new sign project that was installed on Virginia Avenue in front of the Boys and Girls Club. 

The project, led by MERIT Director Wendy Gutkin, worked with the state and donors for the last four months to make the sign a reality. The installation, an 11-hour work detail, occurred on Wednesday and with the collaboration of The Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, the sign now shines bright for all to see.

“We can see God’s hand in this project, honoring John Hollis just as we can see God’s hand in every project that John has touched through his service to and love for Seaford. He has a gift for bringing communities together,” said Gutkin. “Your presence here today, on the grounds of this magnificent Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club, is proof of that. John was instrumental in raising the $3.5 million to build this club. It is fitting that this new sign is dedicated to the boys, girls, and families.”

Gutkin welcomed attendees and said, “We want to thank and recognize former Governor John Carney, who provided the funds for the sign through MERIT. I want to thank our MERIT family.”

In attendance to celebrate Hollis’ years of commitment to youth and the community included such dignitaries as Dr. Ben Carson, Candy Carson, State Senator Bryant Richardson, Representative Danny Short, State Senator Dave Wilson, Jonathan Kellam, Robert Carey, Vice Mayor Dan Henderson, Councilman Alan Quillen, and Greg Abbott, Administrative Services Section Administrator for the DE Division of Parks and Recreation.

Hollis spoke and thanked everyone in attendance with a special message for his friend and MERIT supporter Dr. Carson. “I want to be clear, you never do it alone. It’s always ‘we not me’,” Hollis said.“This whole project (B&G Club) started when Ben Carson, a world famous medical doctor, lended his expertise to a small rural town. Over four and a half million dollars later, kids have benefited. Legislators can’t be thanked enough, but only in Delaware and not without Ben Carson.” 

Hollis also noted that the MERIT family reaches far beyond the limits of Seaford and has pioneered with many investors in the development of youth.

“I am here to say thank you John for all the years of dedication to the Boys and Girls Club,” said Representative Wilson. “He took me under his wing and taught me about the MERIT program. He  has definitely made a difference in so many lives here in Sussex County and the whole state of Delaware.”

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Delaware Chief Operating Officer Jon Tucker presented Hollis with a token of appreciation and said, “On behalf of the Boys and Girls Club, we really appreciate all the work that you have done for all kids.”

Long-time family friend of John and Linda Hollis, Carson shared Hollis’ determination, “You can tell who is a doer instead of just a talker.” Carson spoke of being in the empty field and the dream of the Boys and Girls Club and also the beginning of the MERIT club, that both his sons graduated from. He said of Hollis, “He loves everybody, and he wants everybody to succeed. Everybody loves John, and that’s really one of the key things about him. He doesn’t hate who are in this party or that party. He loves everybody, and he wants everybody to succeed, an example that can be for each one of us not to get caught up in the politics and to thinking everybody has to agree with you and that you have to be enemies with somebody who doesn’t agree with you. I just want to thank you on behalf of so many people. All the lives you’ve affected. And I’m grateful that we’re having this today.”

Murray Carson spoke about he and his brother’s time with the Hollis family when they attended the MERIT program. “My brothers and I all share a lot of appreciation for you and Linda and the time that we have to be with you, and thank you so much for what you’ve done,” he said.

Hollis, in his response, said, “One of the most impactful stirring moments of my life is when you told me that I was like a second dad to you, and I’ll never forget that.” Hollis thanked Candy Carson, “I learned so much from you and we had so many laughs and good times. Please honor each other, honor this country, and play a key role in the perilous fight of strengthening families.”

“What we want remembered about this day is that it is not about any one person. In MERIT, we have a phrase, ‘We, not me.’ This project has come together as a team effort out of the love and respect people all over Delaware have for Mr. Hollis, affectionately known to many as ‘Coach,’ and an appreciation of the impact that the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club has had in Seaford,” said Gutkin.

Dr. Carson closed the ceremony in prayer and gratitude and thanked everyone. Hollis was then presented with a birthday card from the MERIT students.