Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell is the December recipient of the Jacksonville Jaguars-Robert W. Baird & Co. Community Leader Award, presented monthly during the NFL season to the Jaguars' player that demonstrates exemplary community involvement.

In partnership with Robert W. Baird & Co., a $500 donation will be made to The Mark Brunell Foundation, which is committed to enriching the lives of children who face chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Four players have now been named monthly winners during the 2000 season. This year's program will conclude on December 12 with a year-end luncheon at ALLTEL Stadium when an additional $3,000 charity donation will be made to the player selected as the 2000 Community Leader of the Year. Cornerback Fernando Bryant (September), punter Bryan Barker (October) and offensive tackle Leon Searcy (November) join Brunell as candidates for the award.

Brunell, the Jaguars 1999 Man of the Year for his community involvement, recently dedicated a children's playroom at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Each spring, his foundation hosts a charity golf tournament to benefit the children's hospital and to fund other foundation programs. Since 1997 the Landstar-Mark Brunell Charity Golf Tournament has contributed more than $475,000 to the hospital, specifically for children receiving pediatric and neonatal intensive care. Mark and his wife, Stacy, frequently visit with the children at Wolfson's. The foundation also supports STARBRIGHT World at the hospital, a private interactive computer network designed for hospitalized children and teenagers.

"I just think it is really important that we do all we can to help our kids, especially the children that are fighting these terrible illnesses," said Brunell. "Stacy and I decided early on that we wanted to help sick children and their families. We really enjoy spending time with the kids at Wolfson's and just try to comfort them and show them that we care."

For more information, contact the Community Affairs Department at (904) 633-6582.