2008 Angel Award nominees sought

Louisiana’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which is marking its 74th anniversary this year, issued its annual call for nominations for the 2008 Angel Award and set a June 27 deadline for the nominations.

The Angel Award, a partnership of the state’s largest health insurer and its nonprofit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, looks to recognize residents performing extraordinary volunteer work for children within the state.

Since its creation in 1995, the Angel Award program has helped to identify and honor over 100 individuals and has given a total of $720,000 to designated charities throughout the state.

This year, Blue Cross will honor eight more residents. The foundation will contribute a $20,000 grant to each honoree’s chosen charities that qualify as non-profit organizations focused on health or education with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

There are no age restrictions on nominees, as previous winners have come from all walks of life and have ranged from ages 17 to 93. Anyone who knows an individual that gives an unselfish contribution of time and energy to improve the welfare of the children in their communities is encouraged to nominate that individual for the 2008 Angel Award.

Candidates must be nominated for their work through churches, schools, civic organizations or just individual effort. All of their volunteer work must have been performed in the state, with the children of Louisiana being the primary beneficiaries. The effort can focus on enhancing any aspect of a child’s life, including physical, emotional or creative.

Individuals can be paid for their efforts but their work must exceed their actual job description.

Work release time or student course credit may also be considered.

A selection committee made up of past honorees will select this year’s winners based on criteria described as follows:

• Need: What does the nominee do to serve Louisiana children? What need does he/she address?

• Initiative: Did the nominee initiate new programs or activities and use methods to solve problems?

• Impact: Has the activity or service provided by the nominee produced positive changes and provided examples for other groups?

• Achievement: What results has the nominee produced?

• Time: What amount of time does the nominee devote to the activity or service? Is the nominee a volunteer for the organization, or does he/she go “above and beyond” the requirements of a paid job?

• Action: Is the nominee active, not a figurehead?

• Challenge: Has the nominee overcome unusual challenges, such as limited resources, public perceptions of the problem or personal disability?

Anyone interested in nominating an individual can learn more at www.bcbsla.com. The site allows visitors to research information on hundreds of past Angel Award nominees.

Nomination packets are also available by calling toll-free 1-888-219-BLUE (2583) or e-mailing Angel.Award@bcbsla.com.

Supplemental information in support of the nomination, including testimonial letters, brochures, news articles, photos and videos is encouraged.

Submissions cannot be returned.