Presented to a community member who exemplifies the humanitarian spirit and servant leadership modeled by the late Christopher E. Lee. The recipient of this award will embody humanity as it is defined by the American Red Cross Fundamental Principles: “Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace amongst all peoples.”

This award is named in special memory and honor of Christopher Erskine Lee’s lifetime of servant leadership and unselfish service to his community. Chris graduated from Woodberry Forest School in 1984 and went on to earn a degree from Cornell University in 1988. He was the fourth generation of his family to work in the family business, Lee Construction Group, Inc., beginning his career in construction as a laborer during breaks from college and ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer. Known and respected as an honorable professional and a gentleman, his untimely death had a profound impact on our community and on the lives he touched.

Chris’s sincere passion to serve the community that he grew up in never waned. He devoted countless hours to civic and professional activities. He volunteered in several community organizations in Central Virginia, including the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area Board and the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross. Chris was a former member of the Vestry of St. Paul’s Memorial Church, where he also served as a trustee and Sunday school teacher. He dedicated himself to the local and state business community including member and past Board Chair for Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce; member of the Board for the Virginia Chamber Commerce; member and past State Chairman of the Board of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. Chris was a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Charlottesville program, Lead Virginia, and the Sorenson Institute’s Political Leadership program. He participated in local government through his service on numerous Albemarle County committees and commissions.

Throughout his tenure of leadership with the family business, Chris continued to cultivate the company’s more than eighty-three-year tradition of community service by encouraging all employees to participate in community activities.

The nominee is an active or retired military service member, a member of the military reserves, a member of the military reserve training corps, or a military supporter. The eligible nominee could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the incident. The situation does not have to be associated with the use of skills directly related to the nominee’s profession.

The nominee is a licensed Health Care provider, student, or retired Health Care provider. The eligible nominee could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the incident. The situation does not have to be associated with the use of skills directly related to the nominee’s profession.

The nominee is a professional, reserve, or volunteer firefighter, police officer or medical personnel related to dispatch operations of a fire, police, EMS department. The eligible nominee could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the incident. The situation does not have to be associated with the use of skills directly related to nominee’s profession.

The nominee must be 17 years old or under at the time of the incident or act. The eligible nominee has performed an act of heroism involving an unusual, significant, or unexpected incident requiring a courageous or unselfish reaction in a crisis or time of need. The nominee can be involved in an ongoing situation in which a commitment is made to the community through an act/s of kindness, courage, or unselfishness in response to an identified need.

The nominee is an individual or group who voluntarily rendered aid to another in distress under no duty to do so. While not required, the act may have involved saving the life of another person or an animal, but should be in response to an unusual, significant, or unexpected incident.

Presented to the family and/or owner of a service animal or pet who exhibited and/or performed an act of heroism or noteworthy service. Or presented to an individual or organization that provides humanitarian services in the care of animals in our community.