Special Agent in Charge William R. Falls joined Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller, III, in naming Jaguars co-owner and Foundation Chair and CEO Delores Barr Weaver the 2002 recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award. (Pictured left to right: Jaguars Foundation Executive Director, Peter Racine; Jaguars Foundation Chair & CEO, Delores Barr Weaver; FBI Special Agent, William R. Falls)

Mr. Falls recognized Mrs. Weaver for her support of programs for at-risk youth, with a strong focus on drug abuse education and prevention; support of domestic violence prevention and education at area battered women's shelters; and her significant support of HabiJax, the Ronald McDonald House, The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Dreams Come True and several others.

During the ceremony at FBI headquarters in Jacksonville, January 9, Mrs. Weaver thanked all "Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel for working on behalf of our nation's citizens. We feel safer because you are there, we are safer because you prevent where possible and intervene when necessary."

Mrs. Weaver accepted the award on behalf of the work and success of the many agencies she and her husband Wayne, and the Jaguars Foundation, support through grants and Honor Rows, saying, "I want to thank the staff and volunteers working with those agencies and commend each for their compassion and commitment that every child passing by them will know that someone cares. All of you are making a difference in the lives of so many and I believe the children, whose lives you touch, will dare to dream of a better tomorrow, and work to make those dreams a reality, because you have given them hope for today. Thanks for the love and care you give."

Since 1995, more than $5.5 million has been distributed to local agencies by the Jaguars Foundation. Mrs. Weaver credits the Jaguars Partners for this opportunity due to their financial support of the Foundation, and said that she proudly shares this award with the Foundation staff who, "work everyday to help make a difference in the lives of Jacksonville's underserved youth."

The FBI Director's Community Leadership Award is presented annually by each of the 56 FBI offices located around the country to a deserving individual from each area who best exemplifies the ideals of community spirit and public service, and who is specifically involved in programs intended to assist socially and economically disadvantaged youth. Past recipients of the award include Jacksonville Sheriff Nat Glover; community activist Diane Kerr; Denise L. McGlynn, manager of the Normandy Village Utility Company; and Pastor Lee E. Harris of the Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church.