On Sunday, August 26, 2012, Sandra Crabb received the “Pride of Polonia” award. Every year during the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Czestochowa Polonia gathers at the Polish-American Shrine in Doylestown, PA dedicated to the Blessed Mother. This year several thousand people from various states made this pilgrimage to this holy place and participated in Divine Worship.
Adam Cardinal Maida was the Main Celebrant of the Liturgy and at the conclusion of the Mass presented Mrs. Sandra Crabb the “Pride of Polonia” Award. Receiving the award Sandra said, ”I accept this prestigious award on behalf of all who support the Pontificate of John Paul II especially the JPII Cultural Center in Washington, DC. I am a founding member of this institute which promotes the dialogue between faith and culture. I was privileged to visit Poland and Rome many times trying to relearn his beautiful message with which he started his Pontificate, Be not Afraid”.
The 2012 recipient of this distinguished award was born in Dearborn, MI, daughter of Esther Irene Grebeck and Adolph Sylvester Rovsek. Her grandfather came from Poland and worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Sandra was educated in Dearborn and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Art History/Fine Arts.
After college, she married the love of her life, Mr. Carl Crabb. The young couple settled in BelAir, California and opened an antique business, The Victorian Rose. Sandra is also president of Lucky Stars Productions. Through this company, located in Hollywood, CA she produced and disseminated documentaries about John Paul II’s Pontificate in the Hollywood Studios. Although successful in her business enterprises she always remained involved in community and cultural affairs. Her philanthropic activities always related to the needy, especially children.
It seems that she found her niche in life during the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II. With total zeal and dedication she promoted the teachings of John Paul II with her involvement with the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC. Sandra is a member of the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in developing the audio visual materials which greeted visitors to the Cultural Center.
It has been a long tradition that the Pride of Polonia award is presented to an individual who distinguishes themselves in promoting Polonia in cultural, social and religious fields under the auspices of the National Polish Apostolate. Through this award she joins many illustrious individuals such as Cardinal John Krol, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and Mr. Chester Lobrow and many others.
Mrs. Crabb was given the Royal Title of Countess of Spain by the current occupants of the throne as an exception for someone not of Spanish birth for her continued work to create, publicize and carry on the pursuit of John Paul’s Cultural Center.
