The Moore County Chamber of Commerce presented a new award named for a dedicated community servant to the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care.

The inaugural Janet Ann Powell Award was one of several the Chamber presented at its annual banquet at the Carolina Hotel Thursday night. Powell - who was heavily involved with many organizations and causes in Moore County - died in August.

Congressman Howard Coble, a close friend of Powell's, presented the honor to Caroline Eddy, executive director of the coalition.

"She was indeed a giver," Coble said of Powell. "As I said during the memorial service last fall, Janet Ann Powell was born in Wake County, but her heart was in Moore County and the Sandhills."

The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a tremendous positive impact on the community within the past year. Coble said one of the award's criteria is meeting a specific need or a challenge in the community and demonstrating accomplishment in the face of unforseen challenges, changes or adversity.

By addressing these needs, the recipient contributes to the Chamber's mission of "advancing commerce and community."

"The Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care faced several community challenges in the past year, and met them head on," Coble said. "In a year of economic uncertainty, more people were looking for emergency assistance than ever before. The coalition was there to provide clothing, food and financial support."

Because of the economic downturn, Coble said, some previous coalition donors became clients. Despite contributions decreasing by 20 percent, the coalition increased financial aid over 26 percent. It is estimated that it served 10 percent of all Moore County households.

Coble added that the coalition revamped screening and procedures to better serve its clients. New services include crisis coaching for those facing financial challenges and job services - resume writing, interviewing tips and job search assistance.

"Jan Powell, what a special lady and a special friend," Eddy said. "She was smart, caring, beautiful and lots of fun. I first met Jan at the Boys and Girls Club and was so impressed with her kindness, her enthusiasm for life and her willingness to help other people."

Other award winners during the banquet included Tiffany Wynn, Golden Apple Award; Liz English, Ambassador of the Year; Ronald C. Hodiak, the William H. Hollister Award; Sandhills Winery, Entrepreneur of the Year; and Aging Outreach Services, Small Business of the Year.

At the end of the program, outgoing Chamber chairman Jim Byrd passed the gavel to the 2010 chairwoman, Holly Bell.

Contact John Krahnert III at (910) 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.