2008-07-09 18:12:25 - Recognizing innovation in health care for youth and children in Wake County, the John Rex Endowment invites nominations for the 2008 Hands of Health Award. The individual winner is honored at an invitation-only breakfast and selects a charity of their choice to receive $10,000.

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 9, 2008) -The John Rex Endowment invites nominations for the fifth annual Hands of Health award. The local healthcare funder established the award to recognize individuals who demonstrate innovation in efforts to improve the health of children and youth in Wake County. The deadline for entries is September 5.

'Every day, individuals find unique and creative ways

to improve the health and well-being of children and youth in our community,' says Kevin Cain, president and CEO of the John Rex Endowment. 'The Hands of Health award is an opportunity to recognize this individual dedication.'

The winner will be announced at the annual Hands of Health program, an invitation-only breakfast to be held October 21. A specially commissioned bronze sculpture by artist Ruth Burink will be presented to the winner, and the John Rex Endowment will make a donation of $10,000 to the winner's charity of choice.

Nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.rexendowment.org/about/hoh.html .

Past winners of the award include: Peter Morris, M.D.; Don Rosenblitt, M.D.; Mark Piehl, M.D.; Yo Sobha; Kathy Higgins; and Lillian Berman.

The John Rex Endowment has honored these Hands of Health winners by making donations to the organizations of their choice. These include: the North Carolina Pediatric Society Foundation, the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood, the Durham Rescue Mission/Good Samaritan Inn, Camp Challenge Diabetes Camp at Camp Oak Hill, Camp Grace at A.E. Finley YMCA, Be Active North Carolina and the Making Magic Alliance.

For more information on the Hands of Health Award, visit www.rexendowment.org/about/hoh.html .

About the John Rex Endowment:
The John Rex Endowment invests in the development and support of activities, programs and organizations that improve the health of underserved people in Wake and surrounding counties. Currently, the Endowment supports visible and measurable improvements in the health of children and youth by improving access to health services, by promoting healthy behaviors and by providing opportunities for growth and development. For more information, visit www.rexendowment.org .

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