While you will not find a definition of an “unsung hero” in the dictionary, it is not difficult to come up with one. The Community Foundation’s definition of an unsung hero can be summed up as follows: an individual who has willingly and unselfishly volunteered his/her time to an organization, project, or cause and has never received nor expected any reward or recognition for their gift of time and volunteer service. In an effort to honor “unsung heroes” of the Chautauqua region, the Community Foundation awards the Axel W. Carlson Award on an annual basis and is now accepting nominations for the 2008 award until March 1. 

 

The original “unsung hero” of the Chautauqua region was Axel W. Carlson himself. During his life in Jamestown, Axel W. Carlson always sought out opportunities to help people in need. He did not do so to seek recognition for his good works, but rather because he had an unselfish spirit and simply enjoyed helping others. Upon his death in 1981, he left a substantial portion of his estate to assist the people of the community. He did so by starting a number of charitable funds, which continue to serve the community’s needs today.      

 

There are many people today in the Chautauqua region that share that same unselfish, hard-working, and generous spirit with Axel Carlson. However, the challenge for the Community Foundation is identifying who these individuals are, for nearly all those who serve the community as “unsung heroes” do not want to be identified—one of the main reasons these individuals are so special and should be recognized. 

 

This is why the Community Foundation asks for your help. There are dozens of non-profit organizations in the community that have dedicated volunteers that serve daily, offering their assistance in more ways than can possibly be asked. Look at the volunteers within your organizations and if you consider one or all of them an “unsung hero,” then nominate them for this award. Look within your firehouses, libraries, townships, schools, and any other organization where volunteer assistance is essential.

 

Finally, while only one individual will receive the Axel Carlson Award, it is very important to acknowledge all the volunteers that make the community so great. The reality is many Axel Carlson Awards could be given every year, so for leaders of organizations with strong volunteer support, remember to thank and appreciate these individuals for all they do, every day. All volunteers in the community, no matter what organizations they serve or in what ways they might serve, are having a significant impact on the entire Chautauqua region and that should never go unnoticed.

 

If you believe there is an individual within your organization that is indeed a true “unsung hero,” then please nominate them for the 2008 Axel W. Carlson Award. Nomination forms can be obtained by going to the Community Foundation’s website at www.crcfonline.org. If you would like to talk to the CRCF staff about your nomination, please call 661-3390.   Please have your nomination form in by March 1, 2008. It is time that the individuals who truly deserve the recognition that has escaped them, finally receive that recognition. Please help us make that possible.