In many ways volunteers are the backbone of the Community Foundation. Every year, individuals give countless hours to the Foundation, serving on the Board of Directors or the many CRCF committees. These people are the Foundation’s unsung heroes because, without them, CRCF could not be. However, there are hundreds of organizations in the community that can say the same. This is why the Community Foundation presents the Axel W. Carlson Award every year. The Foundation attempts to recognize the one volunteer in the community who has made the greatest impact on his/her organization, while doing so in a completely anonymous and unselfish manner.

  

The Axel W. Carlson Award’s namesake was a Swedish immigrant to Jamestown. Axel Carlson strongly believed in helping people in need, but, in the process of doing so, never looked for reward or recognition. Upon his death in 1981, he left a substantial portion of his estate to the Community Foundation 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.     

 

Due to the fact that Axel Carlson himself was a true “unsung hero,” the Axel W. Carlson Award was established in 1986 to honor community “unsung heroes” that have followed in his footsteps. Annually, this award recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions through their efforts while neither receiving nor expecting reward or public recognition. Nominations are now being accepted at the Community Foundation for the 2006 Axel W. Carlson Award, and the deadline date for submission is March 1, 2007.

 

While one community citizen will be given this award, the reality is that hundreds of Axel Carlson Awards could be given on an annual basis. The volunteer support in Chautauqua County is that strong. However, one individual always seems to rise to the top each year. While there are many volunteers that do great things, there is a small group that are not only helping the organizations to which they belong but are also having a significant, positive impact on the whole community. It is these individuals that fit the mold of unsung heroes. For the Community Foundation, the hard part is identifying these individuals, which is why we need the community’s help.  

 

If your nomination is chosen as the Axel W. Carlson Award winner, they will receive a small plaque acknowledging their commitment and their name will be inscribed on a plaque that hangs in Jamestown City Hall. In addition, they will receive a check for $1,000 as a way of saying thanks for their good deeds and a $500 check is awarded to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

 

Look at the volunteers within your churches, libraries, hospitals, fire departments, or any other organization to which you might belong and nominate your “unsung hero” by the deadline of March 1^st. Nomination forms can be obtained through the Foundation website at www.crcfonline.org or by visiting the Foundation office at 418 Spring Street, Jamestown. You can also always call the Foundation staff at 661-3390. Unsung heroes may not want nor need the recognition, but it is something they truly deserve. Please help the Community Foundation make that possible.