The NOVA Awards are designed to recognize and honor some of the outstanding nonprofit organizations in Boulder County. They are presented each fall in the categories of Arts, Civic, Environment, Education and Health and Human Services.

The Pat on the Back Award is named to honor Pat Shoemaker and to recognize other individuals who have given extraordinary but often unsung volunteer time in caring for the community.

The Stan Black Award is presented annually to a Boulder County individual who has contributed a lifetime of "time, treasure and talent" in serving charitable organizations in Boulder County and around the world. The award was named for Stan Black who is active in a number of causes, both in the Boulder area and overseas. The award is presented by The Community Foundation and is sponsored by the law firm of Hutchinson, Black & Cook, and by individual donors.

The 2008 awards will be presented at Community Stars Community Event on Monday, September 8, 2008, 5:30-7:30 pm, at the Boulder Theater.