JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation (BCBSF Foundation) is accepting nominations for the Sapphire Award to recognize excellence in community health programming and leadership. Nominations for organizations, programs and individuals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. EDT on Oct. 21. Honorees will be named at the Sapphire Award Symposium in February 2012.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110218/CL49051LOGO )
For this year's competition, the BCBSF Foundation revised the Sapphire Award competition to include three distinct categories, with a new category for individuals:
- Organizations – Recognizes an outstanding organization for all of its health programs.
- Programs – Recognizes an outstanding program within an organization.
- Individuals – New category that recognizes an outstanding individual in the community health arena. Award funds go to a Florida-based, health-serving nonprofit designated by the individual honoree.
A total of $360,000 will be shared among the honorees. While there is a financial reward, this is not a grant program. Honorees are recognized for what has been accomplished (demonstrated success), not what is hoped to be accomplished by means of a grant.
Guidelines, eligibility for nominees and nominators, criteria and information on the online nomination process can be accessed from the BCBSF Foundation's website, www.bluefoundationfl.com. The online application process will be available beginning Sept. 23.
About the BCBSF Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation (BCBSF Foundation) is a separate, philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF), incorporated in the state of Florida. The BCBSF Foundation, and its parent, BCBSF, are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information on the BCBSF Foundation, please visit its website at www.bluefoundationfl.com.
BCBSF and the BCBSF Foundation are on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation