New Patricia Phillips Prize to Celebrate Volunteerism in Chautauqua County

Patricia Phillips

The Phillips family and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation announced the creation of the Patricia Phillips Prize for Excellence in Volunteer Engagement, a new annual award recognizing nonprofit organizations that strengthen the community by meaningfully engaging volunteers in service. 

The Prize honors the legacy of Patricia M. "Pat" Phillips, whose commitment to volunteerism touched countless organizations and enriched Chautauqua County for decades. Alongside her husband, Jim, Pat helped build and run their family-owned business, Acme the Appliance Store, where she served as vice president. She also dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership across the community. Recognized as the Jamestown Area Woman of the Year in 2001, she served organizations including the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Jamestown Community College Foundation, WCA Hospital Foundation, Crèche, Jamestown Concert Association, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, St. Susan Center, and many others.

Pat believed that every community is stronger when people choose to show up for one another. That belief inspired not only her own lifetime of service but also the creation of this new award. Beginning in 2026, the Patricia Phillips Prize will annually recognize one nonprofit organization that exemplifies this spirit. The recipient organization will receive a $10,000 unrestricted grant to support its mission.

"Our mother didn't just teach us the importance of volunteering. She inspired us by the example she set every day," said Jason Phillips, Pat's son. "She believed deeply in the power of service to bring people together and strengthen communities. Creating this Prize is our family's way of carrying her legacy forward by recognizing the organizations that make volunteerism meaningful and inspire others to serve."

Community members are invited to nominate nonprofit organizations whose volunteers make a meaningful impact. Anyone with firsthand knowledge of an organization's volunteer efforts, including volunteers, board members, clients, partner organizations, and other community members, is encouraged to submit a nomination. 

“We are looking for nominators to simply tell the story of how volunteers help the organization fulfill its mission and strengthen the community,” said Tory Irgang. “The Foundation has established an ad-hoc committee to review the nominations. While only one nonprofit will receive the $10,000 prize, we look forward to the nomination process as a celebration of the wonderful organizations serving the Chautauqua region.”  

Nominations will be accepted online here through October 26, 2026. The inaugural Patricia Phillips Prize will be presented on December 1 as part of Giving Tuesday.

“We hope the Prize will celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that has long been a hallmark of Chautauqua County and inspire future generations to continue that tradition,” added Jason Phillips. 

For more information about the Patricia Phillips Prize, click here or contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at (716) 661-3390.