Named after the foundation's founding chairman of the board of trustees, Joseph "Pat" Patrick, the purpose of the award is to recognize and honor an individual who goes above and beyond in his service and volunteer time with Newton County-based nonprofits.

"We really put it together as an honor of Pat," said Tamara Richardson, executive director of The Community Foundation. "The board thought that this was a way to honor him and give back to the community."

The award is open to any individual who volunteers his or her time (or who has volunteered in the past) with local nonprofits. The nominated individual must not receive any salary or compensation of any kind for their nominated volunteer work.

Richardson said the board decided to offer the award as a way specifically to recognize volunteers in the community and to draw attention to the numerous volunteer opportunities in the county.

"We wanted to differentiate it from other awards in the community," Richardson said.

Current Community Foundation Board of Trustee members are ineligible for nomination. Only those trustees who have been off The Community Foundation's Board of Trustees for a minimum of five years are eligible for nomination.

All nominations will be reviewed by a sub-committee of The Community Foundation. The selected winner will be recognized at a reception on May, 13. At the reception the winner will be presented with a $2,000 grant check to be awarded to the Newton County nonprofit of his/her choice. The designated nonprofit to receive the grant will also be invited to attend the reception.

Nomination forms are due at The Community Foundation Office by 5 p.m., Monday, April, 14. Nomination forms can be picked up at the foundation's office or by calling (770) 788-2250. Completed nomination forms should be mailed to: The Community Foundation/Newton Fund, 2104 Washington Street, P.O. Box 87, Covington, Ga. 30015.