Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake hosted her 9th annual Baltimore’s Top Neighborhood Dads luncheon this week, recognizing 25 winners. The contest honors strong and dedicated Baltimore men who play an active role in making their communities better, safer, and stronger. While the ‘Top Dads’ may not necessarily be fathers themselves, they have given fatherly love for their neighborhoods by working to improve the quality of life within their communities.

“This contest allows us to celebrate men like yourselves, for your work fighting to realize a better Baltimore.” Mayor Rawlings-Blake said to the honorees. “By doing what is righty, by mentoring young people, helping clean up after storms, and helping neighbors in need, you add to the quality of life in our growing city.”

Nominations were submitted by community associations throughout Baltimore City.

2015 Top Neighborhood Dads Winners

• Jeff Amoros, Friends of Joseph Lee Park
• Reverend Keith Bailey, Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council, Inc.
• Michael Battle, Cherry Hill Trust, Inc.
• Durwood Bush, Penn North/Druid Heights North Avenue Merchants Association, Inc.
• Bill Cunningham, Greater Remington Improvement Association (GRIA)
• Jason Curtis, Mt. Vernon-Belvedere Association
• Gregory Evans, Roberta’s House
• Bishop Victor Folks, Fayette Street Outreach Organization, Inc.
• Christopher Forrest, York Road Partnership
• John Greer, New Auchentoroly Terrace Association
• Keith Hammond, Rebuild New Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization
• Reverend Donte L. Hickman, Sr., New Broadway East Community
• Robert J. Hunt, Rosemont Neighborhood Improvement Association
• Rick Leandry, O’Donnell Heights Resident Council
• Nick McDaniels, Hamilton Hills Neighborhood Association
• Michael Middleton, Cherry Hill Trust, Inc.
• Cecil Payton, Hillen Road Improvement Association
• Isaac Schleifer, Cheswolde Neighborhood Association
• Carlton R. Smith, The Center for Black Equity-Baltimore
• Brian Keith Toyer, McCulloh  Homes
• Robert Turner, Hilltop 4100 Neighborhood Association
• Robert Louis Wallace, Lower Edmondson Village Association
• Glenn Williams, Berea Eastside Neighborhood Association
• Leonard Wills, The C.A.R.E. Community Association, Inc.
• Arthur Woodford, Jr., Lyndhurst Community Association