John Holloway Named "Philanthropist of The Year"

Online, November 12, 2010 (Newswire.com) - UCP of Central Florida is pleased to announce that the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has named John Holloway 2010's recipient of the Community Foundation of Central Florida Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

John Holloway has played a critical role in the success of UCP of Central Florida's campuses and programs. He is currently a member of UCP's Miracles for Children Society, a group of individuals and organizations who have made a five-year financial commitment to the children of UCP.

According to Ilene Wilkins, CEO of UCP of Central Florida, 70 percent of the families at UCP earn a household income below $30,000. The donations to UCP's Miracles for Children Society help UCP provide critical support, education, and therapy to children with disabilities who may have gone without.

"Over the years, John has invested over $500,000 into UCP's Miracles for Children Society," said Wilkins. "But more essentially, it is his own family's personal journey and dedication to children with disabilities that is the most striking, making him very deserving of this award."

Holloway's brother was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after his birth. At his brother's diagnosis, Holloway's father, Jack, began working tirelessly to support UCP of Central Florida through annual telethons and acquiring new donors through his network of vendors and community partners related to ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. He played a critical role in earning the dollars that UCP needed to impact the lives of children touched by disabilities and increasing the awareness of the services that UCP provided to families across Central Florida.

Holloway took notice of his father's hard work, learning that hands-on philanthropy worked best. "Everyday life is a challenge for the children at UCP," said Chad Holloway, John Holloway's son. "Thankfully, people like my father help make it possible for the children of UCP to achieve life-long goals and reach both learning and developmental milestones."

John Holloway is one of UCP's biggest and greatest allies. Just some of the many services impacted by John Holloway's commitment include mental health counseling services, nursing care, specialized therapy equipment and classroom supplies, as well as therapy scholarships for families in financial need.

"No one is more deserving of this award," said Wilkins. "We could not continue to strive for a change for these children to have a healthier and more productive life without the wonderful partnership and support of individuals like John."

Born on June 27, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia, Holloway received his bachelor's degree in theater arts from University of South Florida in 1976. For 38 years, Holloway worked for ABC Liquors Inc., in a variety of jobs ranging from warehouse clerk to store manager to vice president. Currently, Holloway is president of Platinum Productions Inc.

About UCP of Central Florida: Founded in 1955, UCP of Central Florida provides support, education and therapy services for children with and without special needs ages infant to 21. Services are offered at six locations throughout Central Florida: downtown Orlando, East Orlando near UCF, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Pine Hills and Winter Garden. The year marks the organization's 55th anniversary. Visit www.ucpcfl.org for more information.