Ready When You Are.

In partnership with the Aaron Bonner Foundation. In honor of an amazing Bison, Vaughan Holland, we intend to Award 2 grants Totaling $15,000.00 and Various Gifts Cards in the amount 1000.00

Grants will be allocated between Undergrads at Howard and high school students.

Vaughan and his wife (a Howard Alumna)

Have been active supporters of our Organization for years. Many have already benefited from their donations.

We wanted to Pay It Forward.

He Deserves to be Remembered.

We are intentional with everything so Here’s the Breakdown:

7500.00 Tuition Grant

7500.00 Housing Support Grant

Mustard Seed Donations are what really carry our goals.

Here are the payment options:

CashApp is $Relief1867

Venmo: InTruthandService

ZELLE: bisonrelief@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY

Vaughan Anthony Holland, 32, of Washington, DC, beloved and adored husband of Kayla K. Holland, proud and doting father of Savannah I.M. Holland, loving and cherished big brother of Sydney Savannah Holland, answered God’s call Wednesday evening, 15 June 2022.

MAY 3, 1990- JUNE 15, 2022

His life began as the answered prayer of his parents, Shawn and Jeanine C. Holland in Olympia, Washington.


 The Hollands moved from Washington State to Atlanta, Georgia when Vaughan was four; then a few years later to Columbia, South Carolina where his sister Sydney was born; on to Hillsborough, North Carolina where Vaughan attended elementary school, and lastly to Durham, North Carolina where the family remains.


Vaughan attended Durham’s Carrington Middle School and completed his secondary education at Northern High School in 2008. He graduated a proud Bison of Howard University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Vaughan also became an Alpha Chapter member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 2011 and went on to earn a Master of Biomedical Science degree from Duke University, after which he returned to Washington, DC where he lived and thrived until his passing.


Vaughan was far beyond everything his family ever hoped for and he grew up to be an amazing human being. He was kind and thoughtful with an adventurous spirit and he loved animals and nature. Vaughan was also an avid rider; he loved motorcycles and found great joy on his bike. He was a lifelong athlete beginning with pop-warner football and continuing to play through high school. He ran track both with the Durham Striders Track Club and as a Howard University Bison. Staying fit was a significant part of his lifestyle and he went to the gym every day. Vaughan’s impact in the world was vast and he was truly one in a billion.


Vaughan also leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Edwina “Winnie” Holland of Durham, NC; aunts Cheryl Canino of Meriden, CT and Michele Fuller of Highland Beach, MD; uncles Seth and Shannon (Sharyn) Holland both of Durham, NC; mother-in-law Valerie K. Dorsey of Columbus, Ohio; father-in-law Tilmon Smith, Sr. of Pittsburgh, PA; brother and sister-in-law Denise and Tilmon Smith, Jr. of Washington, DC; Godmother Jessica Riley of Columbia, SC; Godfather Gary James of Wilmington, DE; great aunts, uncles and cousins around the country, and a host of beloved friends and family too many to mention here, but who loved Vaughan and who will honor him always.


Vaughan’s family extends sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the numerous expressions of love and support.

Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten.