Who: Community volunteers or professionals in such fields as criminal justice, health care, education or religion. Nominees need not have an affiliation with The Center but must live within the six county area served by The Center (Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, Marshall and Stark). Past winners, staff and current board members of The Center are ineligible.

Why: To honor individuals or organizations who further the vision of a safe, peaceful community by eliminating violence and abuse and promoting healthy relationships.

When: Nominations due by February 25, 2011.

How: Nomination forms can be found at www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org Send nominations to Ann Aylward, P.O. Box 3855, Peoria, IL 61612-3855 or e-mail aaylward@centerforpreventionofabuse.org

Where: Winners will be announced at The Center for Prevention of Abuse 17th Annual Partners in Peace Luncheon, March 30, 2011 at the Peoria Civic Center starting at noon.

The featured speaker at the luncheon is Tina Meier, the parent of Megan Meier, a 13 year old who committed suicide as a result of cruel cyber bullying. Ms. Meier has taken up the cause of internet safety and founded the Megan Meier Foundation.

Sponsors of the event include Ameren, CEFCU, WEEK-TV, Lite Rock 107, Verizon Wireless, Caterpillar Inc., Methodist Medical Center, Bonnie Schofield in memory of Chuck Schofield, Farnsworth Group, Central Illinois Business Publishers, and Times Newspapers.