2010 Celebrate Clay

Honoring 2009 Community Service Programs for Clay County

I. AWARDS SUMMARY

Participating organizations should denote the category in which their entry is to be considered.  Please see Section II to determine the category most appropriate for the service project you wish considered. Final categories will be determined at the discretion of the Celebrate Clay Director.

Thirty (30)  $500 Category Awards:

Thirty $500 category awards will be presented.

Fifteen (15)  $1,000 Special Judges’ Awards:

Fifteen $1,000 awards will be granted to individual organizations that the judges feel deserve special recognition for their efforts in 2009. All applicants will be considered regardless of their designated category.

Two (2) $5,000 "Judges’ Choice" Awards:

Two $5,000 awards will be granted to the two organizations that the judges believe have made significant contributions to the community and surpass goals and expectations during 2009.  All applicants will be considered regardless of their designated category.

Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award:

One $10,000 award will be granted to the organization which, in the opinion of the judges, carried out the most exceptional and notable community service project during 2009.  All applicants will be considered regardless of their designated category.   

Volunteers of the Year (including Peggy Bryan Outstanding Volunteer):

In honor of the most outstanding community volunteers of the year, two $2,500 and one $5,000 Peggy Bryan Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award will be granted to the organizations submitting their volunteers for recognition. These awards will be considered independently of the Celebrate Clay program application. Organizations may be considered for both program and individual volunteer recognition.

Executive Director Award:

At the discretion of the judges, a $5,000 award may be presented to a non-profit in honor of its executive director whose 2009 contribution to that non-profit is deemed extraordinarily exceptional.

A panel of five judges (three volunteers from the community and two Foundation trustees) decides all awards. The panel's decisions are final.

II. CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Every application should be submitted under a specific category to be eligible. The Celebrate Clay Director will determine the final categories.

Arts & Cultural

Organizations or programs which enhance and improve the quality of life in Clay County and promote participation, appreciation, and knowledge of the community, especially cultural elements such as arts, humanities, and the sciences.

Civic Community Service

Programs which promote good citizenship, an appreciation for rights, liberties, and cultural diversities, physical community betterment, a safer place to live, or commemoration and preservation of our community heritage.

Community Programs

Programs to assist the disadvantaged or less fortunate, designed to positively impact the welfare of Clay County citizens (sponsored by educators, local government agencies, or private philanthropic organizations).

Education (& Literacy)

Programs which provide educational, vocational and/or career opportunities for all ages.

Environment & Ecology

Programs which promote appreciation, conservation, or restoration of air, land, and water; the welfare of animals; and/or activities designed to enhance natural or man-made environments.

Health & Human Services

Programs designed to prevent or combat disease, relieve physical or psychological affliction, or to provide support for those affected by such situations.

Accomplishments by or for Senior Citizens

Programs designed to meet the needs of our community's elderly population, and projects by seniors which enhance the lives of all ages within our community.

Church/Service Programs

Outreach programs to assist the disadvantaged or less fortunate, designed to positively impact the welfare of Clay County citizens - projects must reach beyond membership of sponsoring church or service group.  (Identical to Community Programs except for initiator).

Accomplishments by Youth

Programs that enhance the development of our youth as responsible community citizens, reward behavior, or recognize exceptional commitment to a project or to the development of a skill.

Service to Youth & Families

Programs or projects designed to enhance the quality of life for young people, to reinforce family values, and to strengthen relationship building  and communication skills.

III. VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

These awards are intended to honor the truly extraordinary volunteers who go far beyond the norm to support, sustain, or enhance community service in Clay County.  Dedication, vision, creativity, commitment, and effectiveness are all essential components. These awards are considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and may encompass more than one area of service. 

IV. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD

Applications to honor professional executive directors may be submitted annually. This award will be presented at the discretion of he Celebrate Clay judges only when an executive renders such extraordinary services beyond its Executive Director job description that the health and progress of its organization are dramatically affected.

V. ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the program, your organization must meet these criteria:

Designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit with current evidence of non-profit status,  such as a 501 (c)(3) Form, IRS Determination Letter, etc., or letter of endorsement from sponsoring authority that in turn has said evidence. See proof of your 501c3 status for details on what to submit.

Based in the North Florida First Coast area, and fulfills one or more need(s) of the Clay County community.

Project for consideration must have been effective in the 2009 calendar year.

Community Service is broadly defined as any activity which is of general benefit to the community and its citizens.

The most significant factor is the quality of your activity in the specific service area and not the size or stature of your organization.  Previous years' experiences with The Reinhold Foundation are not factored into current applications.

VI.  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To participate in Celebrate Clay, please complete the Official Application and return it by the deadline below. No late applications will be accepted.

Applications must be received by Monday, February 15, 2010.

Each application should describe the organization's community service activities and accomplishments in 2009. These activities may be of a continuing nature or special projects initiated, in progress, or completed in 2009. Any questions regarding Celebrate Clay should be directed to the Director, Amy Parker, 269-5857 Ext.404.

Applications should be submitted by mail or email to:

Celebrate Clay
Amy Parker, Director
aparker@reinhold.net
The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc.
1845 Town Center Blvd., Suite 105
Orange Park, FL 32003

Award winners will be announced at our Celebrate Clay Breakfast, May 25, 2010. Invitations will be sent to the mailing address denoted in each application for two guests per organization.