09/01/2026
The Bert Cicenia Award was established in honor of Dr. Ebert (Bert) F. Cicenia, who was instrumental in seeing the need for a Children’s Advocacy Center in Dorchester County. This award is presented annually to someone who has helped to improve the lives of abused and neglected children in the Lowcountry.
This year, we are proud to honor Dr. and Mrs. Robert Blackard as the recipient of the Bert Cicenia Award!
Dr. and Mrs. Blackard are dedicated community advocates who, through their philanthropy, volunteer service, and commitment to family and community, have worked to improve the lives of countless children and their families. They have generously supported the mission of the Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center, as well as numerous other child serving organizations throughout Dorchester County.
Because of generous individuals like Dr. and Mrs. Backard, we are able to provide critical services to children and families at no cost. For the past 6 years, this philanthropic couple has generously offered a sizeable matching gift to our year-end giving campaign and those matching gifts have helped us raise more than $850,000 in support of our programs and services!
We are deeply grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Blackard for their generosity, compassion, and unwavering support. Their investment in our mission, and in the children and families we serve, continues to make a lasting impact!
