2012 Ashby Award Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 12, 2012
Contact: Starling McKenzie
Phone: 434-483-4273

Danville, VA (January 12, 2012) - Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) announced today that the 2012 recipient of the B.R. Ashby, M.D. Award for Outstanding Community Service was God's Pit Crew.

Said DRF President & CEO Karl Stauber about the recipient, "DRF's region is blessed by a number of wonderful non-profits that provide excellent service to many needy residents. Once again this year we received a number of very competitive nominations. God's Pit Crew serves many families in the region who have experienced major hardships. It is a truly deserving recipient of this year's Ashby Award."

Each year, the general public is invited to nominate regional nonprofits that improve the quality of life for residents of the area through their commitment to caring and generosity of spirit. The nominator cannot be a paid staff member at the organization under review. Board members, volunteers, and community members are eligible to make nominations.

The spirit of this award mirrors the works of local leader, Dr. B.R. Ashby. Among his many pivotal roles, Ashby was a founding Board Member and first Chairman of the Danville Regional Foundation. This honor recognizes outstanding community service in the region by non-profit organizations, based upon success in coming to the aid of families in need and individuals overcome with significant challenges. The award originated in 2009.

The accepting grantee received a general operating grant in the amount of $50,000. Competition for this desired grant is extremely high. Seventeen eligible 501(c) (3) organizations were nominated from within DRF's service area comprised of the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County in Virginia and Caswell County in North Carolina. The identity of the B.R. Ashby, M.D., Award for Outstanding Community Service recipient will remain confidential until the ceremony.

An advisory committee of four community members and a DRF Board representative selects the grantee based upon criteria including spirit of caring and generosity, accessibility to its clients, and ability to meet community needs.

For more information about this award and other grant opportunities, contact DRF Senior Program Officer Starling McKenzie at 434-483-4273 or smckenzie@drfonline.org. DRF's mailing address is 512 Bridge Street, Suite 100, Danville, VA 24541.

Danville Regional Foundation is a catalyst for innovation and an agent for transformation. Understanding that significant community change takes time, DRF invests for the long term in efforts that promise sustained positive impact for the Dan River Region. DRF is committed to activities, programs, and organizations that address the health, education, and well-being of the residents of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Caswell County.

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