September 17, 2015
FOLAR to receive Cameron Foundation’s outstanding community service award
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) is being celebrated as the recipient of The Cameron Foundation’s Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service. The Cameron Foundation announced the selection in advance of its annual ceremony, scheduled for October 22, where FOLAR will be presented with this special accolade and a $20,000 unrestricted gift.
With a mission to enhance, preserve, and encourage the wise use of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR has been working since 2001 to increase access, awareness, and appreciation of the river by individuals, families, community groups and businesses. To achieve its goals, FOLAR has engaged more than 325 volunteers, working thousands of hours, to clear trails within parks, to conduct river clean-ups, and to build park structures. Hundreds more, including military members from Fort Lee, have volunteered with special environmental service projects.
“To be recognized through this prestigious award is an incredible honor for FOLAR and a real tribute to our many volunteers and supporters. We are committed to providing the highest quality of community service as we work to protect our water and natural surroundings and increase the quality of life for our community,” said Wayne Walton, FOLAR Chairman.
Now marking its ninth year, the Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service honors one local nonprofit annually for its commitment to caring and generosity of spirit, as well as its openness and accessibility. The award was named after The Cameron Foundation’s first president (and current board member) for his exemplary and untiring commitment to the Foundation’s mission. A panel of community representatives reviewed the applications and recommended FOLAR to receive the 2015 award. The committee, chaired by Cameron Board member Ann C. Taylor, included Betty Moore Beverly, Robert S. Carlon, Shikee H. Franklin, Dr. William D. Irvin, Angela M. Orrell, and Pastor J. David Tolbert.
ABOUT THE CAMERON FOUNDATION
Founded in 2003, The Cameron Foundation is a private foundation that was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg. Its service area includes the region historically served by the hospital and includes the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell; the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Sussex; and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of Route 10. Since it began grantmaking in 2004, the Foundation has awarded $71 million to organizations serving the residents of the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties.