Our own Outdoor Hero, Bonnie Holding

Casting for Recovery is proud to announce that long-time volunteer Bonnie Holding was the recipient of the Third Annual L.L. Bean Outdoor Heroes Award at a ceremony held at Evergreen Campgrounds in Solon, ME, on June 18, 2010. Each year L.L. Bean recognizes individuals who are helping to preserve wild spaces and promote outdoor recreation through his or her contributions to a qualifying nonprofit organization.

Executive Director Lori Simon, who nominated Bonnie for the award, noted that “Bonnie’s strong belief in the healing qualities of an outdoor experience, and her commitment to women’s health issues, led her to Casting for Recovery. Her passion led her to volunteer to launch the first CFR retreat serving the women of Maine in 1999, only four years after the organization came into being, and her commitment to the powerful impact that the CFR program has on the lives of those we serve has not only been an admirable record of service, but has continued to inspire others to get involved and help ‘spread the ripples’.”

Presenting the award to Bonnie at a gathering of CFR volunteers, staff, past participants, family, and friends was Mike Gawtry, L.L. Bean Hunting and Fishing Product Line Manager. He noted that as CFR refers to the “ripple effect,” the L.L. Bean award hopes to lead to “shining a light” on heroism so quiet that it escapes attention. Go here for more information on the L.L. Bean Award.

Enjoy the photos from this event!

LL Bean "Outdoor Hero" Bonnie Holding with Mike Gawtry and trophy

Bonnie celebrates with family and friends