ST. LOUIS – The September 1 deadline for accepting nominations for the Rams Community Quarterback Award is fast approaching. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers in the area and will award $25,000 to local agencies.

The program, which honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism, will run in 32 NFL markets and awards more than $1 million to the charitable organizations that they serve.

Non-profit organizations may nominate persons, age 16 or over, who serve in a volunteer capacity and receive no monetary compensation for their efforts. Individuals may not nominate themselves.

After the nominations have been received, a committee comprised of team representatives, media and community leaders choose ten team finalists. From the finalist field, two runners-up will be selected and the Rams Community Quarterback winner will be named. The Rams Foundation will make grants in the name of the winners to the nonprofit organizations that they serve. Ten finalists — $1,000 each; two runners-up — $2,5000 each; one team winner — $10,000. The St. Louis Rams Community Quarterback Award winner will also go on to compete against the 31 other NFL team representatives for the NFL Community Quarterback Award and the chance to win an additional $25,000 for their nominating organization.

For those interested in nominating an individual, please obtain an application at www.stlouisrams.com/communityoutreach or by calling Molly Higgins at 314-516-8897. Nomination forms must be received by the St. Louis Rams by September 1, 2002.

Last year, Kurt Warner presented winner R.J. Krause of Catholic Urban Programs with a check for $10,000. Bob Kleine of St. Louis Wheelchair Association and Martha Watts of Eagle’s Nest of St. Clair County each received $2,500 for their organizations as the runners-up.

The St. Louis community outreach team, which includes the St. Louis Rams Foundation, supports efforts and organizations that inspire positive change in the greater St. Louis area with an emphasis on youth in the areas of education, literacy, health and recreation. Since moving to St. Louis in 1995, the Rams have contributed more than $3 million in cash, grants, merchandise and tickets to area charities. Rams programs range from awarding game tickets to youth organizations for their work on community projects to addressing diversity issues through school and community education programs and awareness building.