Mark your calendar to attend the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 2532 W. Peoria Ave. in Phoenix.

The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. The cost is $55 for an individual, or $500 for a table of 10 (a $50 savings over the cost of the seats if purchased individually).

To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/documents/CommissionAwardsbanquetreservationform2011.pdf .

Award Table sponsorships for organizations are available for $550 and include a table in the organization's name, logo advertisement in the event program, recognition in the introductory PowerPoint presentation and event press release, and five banquet tickets for the organization.

Other sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact Marty Fabritz at (623) 236-7281 or mfabritz@azgfd.gov , or download a sponsorship form at www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/documents/CommissionAwardssponsorshipform2011.pdf.

The Commission Awards are given annually to recognize Arizonans who have contributed to the welfare of Arizona's wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

This year’s award winners, who will be formally recognized at the banquet, are — Award of Excellence — Wink Crigler Youth Environmentalist of the Year – Brad Garr Outdoor Writer of the Year – Jean Wilson Media of the Year – Steve Bodinet Conservation Organization of the Year – Department of Defense Conservationist of the Year – Brian Dolan Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Melanie Culver Volunteer of the Year – Mark Adkins Mentor of the Year – Eddie Corona Advocate of the Year – George Reiners Habitat Stewardship Award – Duane Coleman

For more information about the banquet, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/commission_awards.shtml.