ALBUQUERQUE -Nominations are being encouraged in the Grants and Gallup areas for the Alice King and Penny Jennings Awards of New Mexico Voices for Children advocacy group.

Both King and Jennings are known for their outstanding community efforts in promoting the interests of New Mexico's children.

Awards will be made to New Mexicans who have demonstrated outstanding community service in advocating for the state's children.

Former New Mexico First Lady Alice King founded the New Mexico Girl's Ranch and the New Mexico Children's Foundation, was chair of the New Mexico Children's Trust Fund and was a major supporter of Carrie Tingley Children's Hospital.

Jennings, the late wife of Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings, advocated for early intervention, special education and other services for children with special needs. She was also instrumental in the organization of the New Mexico Medical Insurance pool.

Both leaders died during the past year, so this is the first year for the presentation of awards in their names.   

“Both Alice and Patty were champions for children and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Eric Griego, executive director of Voices for Children. “The former first lady's work, in particular, really paved the way for work we do now to improve the well-being of New Mexico's children.”

Nominations are also being sought for the 16th Annual Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award, which honors young citizens aged 13 to 26 for their outstanding contributions in the public interest.

Biehl, who was a graduate of Santa Fe High School, died while working to end apartheid in South Africa.

Griego noted that the organization frequently receives nominations form the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas, but is interested in boosting response from the Grants and Gallup areas.

The deadline for all nominations is Sept. 23 by 3 p.m. The awards will be presented at the Spirit of Hope Celebration on Oct. 23 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque from 6-9:30 p.m.

Nomination criteria and forms as well as submission directions are available on-line at www.nmvoicesa.org. or by calling 1-505-244-9505.

New Mexico Voices for Children is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization advocating for policies to improve the health and well being of children, families and communities.