The Fund

The Frederick J. Atkins Community Service Fund was launched with gifts made to Unity House upon Fred’s passing in March 2009. Today, the Fund stands at about $35,000. Additional donations are gratefully accepted at any time. With donations from the Atkins family and community members, Unity House maintains the fund to provide an annual cash award of $500 for the award recipient.

The Award

The Fred Atkins Community Service Award recognizes an outstanding individual who volunteers in Cayuga County and who exemplifies Fred’s high moral standards and philanthropic spirit. Nominations are invited each January.

The selected recipient will be honored each year at Unity House’s annual board dinner, held the last Monday of April. The recipient will be presented with a cash award of $500 - $250 as a reward to the winner, and $250 to be given to a Cayuga County charitable non-profit organization of the winner’s choice.

Call For Award Nominations

The public is invited to nominate themselves or an individual who is a community servant just like Fred. Unity House employees are not eligible. To be considered, the nominee must:

• Volunteer in Cayuga County
• Act as a community service role model for others
• Demonstrate integrity, compassion, and leadership

Nomination receipt deadline: Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Please complete the nomination form and return to:

Unity House of Cayuga County
c/o Development Office
217 Genesee St
Auburn, NY 13021
315.253.6227 x313

Or fax to: 315.612.3116, or Email

Atkins Award Winners

2022: Michelle Barber
2021: Trudy Buxenbaum
2020: Timothy Donovan
2019: Don Poole
2018: Katie MacIntyre
2017: Gary Coon
2016: Susan Marteney
2015: David Bowman
2014: Bruce Sherman
2013: Jill Fandrich
2012: Suzanne Norton
2011: Alan Drennen