IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys on Monday announced James Buffington of Arlington, Texas, as the 2007 Cowboys Community Quarterback Award winner for his volunteer work with Bridges To Life – a non-profit organization working the Texas prison system in an effort to rehabilitate inmates and encourage them to make more positive life choices following incarceration.
Mr. Buffington was named the 2007 Cowboys Community Quarterback Award winner.
“I am extremely overwhelmed to receive this award and very appreciative,” Buffington said. “There are so many volunteers at Bridges To Life that have been doing this a lot longer than I have.”
Buffington’s exposure to the criminal justice system began at the age of 12 when his father conspired and succeeded in the murder of his mother. As both the child of a crime victim and a crime offender, Buffington saw first-hand the effects of such heinous crimes. Using his own experience as a platform, Buffington volunteers his time with crime victims, helping them through the healing and forgiveness process and also speaks with crime offenders, helping to put a face to the crime committed and working with prisoners to understand the negative effects their choices have had on society and all of the families involved.
Today’s announcement included a $10,000 check presentation made by Emily Robbins, cowboys Director of community Relations (representing Gene and Jerry Jones Family Charities), to Bridges To Life. Joining Buffington in accepting the $10,000 donation on behalf of Bridges to Life was Connie Hilton, Bridges To Life’s Northeast Texas Regional Coordinator. Buffington will also be honored as the Dallas Cowboys Community Quarterback Award winner at a special pre-game ceremony held during the Dallas Cowboys verses Green Bay Packers game on November 29, 2007 at Texas Stadium.
Now in its eighth year, the Dallas Cowboys Community Quarterback Award is a volunteer recognition and grant program designed to help identify local volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication and a commitment to bettering the Dallas-Fort Worth community.