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Merlin Augustine 2012 recipient Dr. Merlin Augustine Jr. established the M&N Augustine Foundation in November 1992 to pro- vide food, clothing, medicine and shelter to those in need. He named the nonprofit organization in honor of his parents, Merlin Sr. and Nora. "The foundation was established as an expression of appreciation to my parents who in my early years were extremely kind, gentle and compassionate to all who came to them for assistance," he explained. "During that time there were no social programs as we know them today." Augustine's father worked as a janitor. He raised sweet potatoes and sugar cane on the family farm, and mustard and turnip greens after the sweet crops were harvested. His salary may have been meager for a man with a wife and six children, but he never hesitated to hand out cash to a neighbor in need or offer Augustine's bedroom to a family in need of shelter. "I did not fully understand why my parents would ask me to give up my bed to someone else to inhabit it, or why we would share our meager resources with so many other individuals." In his youth, Augustine admits that his father was too generous. Eventually he came to understand that it wasn't enough to simply toss a check onto a collection plate, he felt he needed to do more. The M&N Augustine Foundation is the fruit of that need. Those who receive help from the founda- tion are only asked to return the favor through volunteer work, a philosophy that has proven successful. Volunteers range from the unem- ployed to business executives. Augustine earned a reputation early on for being a natural born recruiter to the cause, and he claims he has never been turned down by some well-known figures in the athletics department at the University of Arkansas. While his family members, including his wife Beverly, are active in the foundation, he is adamant that none of them handle any of the donations or fundraising money to ensure that no one ever thinks that the family benefits in any way financially from the foundation. He is also strict about keeping fundraising expenses to a minimum. In November 2022, the M&N Augustine Foundation marked its 30th anniversary. "Over the past 30 years, together we have been able to accomplish some amazing things," Augustine said. "There have been thousands of individuals who have volunteered by giving of their prayers, time, talent and/or treasure. Many of these individuals are no longer with us, but their presence is keenly felt as we move forward and help, just as my mother and father did." In addition to the Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Award, the foundation has received multiple distinguished awards, including the Corporate Helping Hand Award; Distinguished Humanitar- ian Service Award; Most Generous Heart Award; Youth Citizenship Award; Office of Governor State of Arkansas Volunteer Service Award; City of Fayetteville Community Helping Hand Award; J.C. Penny Golden Neighbor Award; and Walmart's distinguished Visionary Award. "One thing that we make clear, we are not doing this great work to receive any recognition or award," Merlin stated. "I believe that our volunteers are the ones who should receive the awards, they are truly the hands that make our organization so successful. A day does not go by that I do not feel that my mother and father are still leading the foundation. I am simply the instrument that carries out their values." Through the many challenges the foundation has faced over the years, including COVID-19, it has never closed its doors. "Our Caring Kitchen has been open and we prepare over 250 meals per week," Merlin said. "We have moved to a pick-and-go style of meal pickup. This system has allowed us to continue to serve food to those in greatest need, while keeping our volunteers safe." 10

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