Angel Oak Award

The Angel Oak Award is our club’s signature recognition of extraordinary local service. Established in 2011 (first awarded in 2012), it honors a volunteer whose time, leadership, and compassion have made a lasting difference in quality of life for people connected to Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, Kiawah, and Seabrook. Like the Angel Oak itself—strong, enduring, and deeply rooted—this award celebrates the kind of service that quietly strengthens a community over many years. Each Angel Oak Award recipient is recognized publicly and is also invited to direct a $5,000 charitable gift to a local nonprofit organization of their choice.

What the Award Recognizes

We’re looking for individuals whose volunteer work demonstrates:

• Sustained commitment over time (not a one-time effort)
  
• Meaningful local impact on people and community outcomes
  
• Leadership and service that inspires others to get involved
  
• Character and compassion that reflect the spirit of service
  

Nominees may serve in many ways—supporting children and families, education, hunger relief, health, housing, mentoring, veterans, civic causes, faith-based outreach, or other community needs.

Who Can Be Nominated

Any individual may be nominated if their volunteer service has had a clear, positive impact on our community. Nominees do not need to be members of the Exchange Club.

How the Selection Works

Nominations are reviewed by an Exchange Club committee consisting of Past Presidents of our Club. The committee evaluates each nomination based on community impact, consistency of service, and alignment with the values of the award. The recipient is selected and then recognized at the annual Angel Oak Award Banquet.

How to Nominate Someone

A strong nomination tells a clear story. When preparing your nomination, include:

• A brief overview of the nominee’s volunteer role(s) and years of service
  
• The community need they address and who benefits
  
• Specific examples of impact (programs improved, people served, outcomes achieved)
  
• Why their service stands out as exceptional
  
• References who can speak to their service and impact

Honor Service. Strengthen Community.

The Angel Oak Award is more than recognition—it’s a way to spotlight the people who keep our community strong and to direct meaningful support to local nonprofits doing vital work. If you know someone whose volunteer service deserves to be celebrated, we invite you to submit a nomination and help us recognize the very best of our community.