Do you know someone who toils in obscurity, working to make the world we live in a better place? Do you think it’s past due for them to get the recognition they so richly deserve? Well, now is your chance. Ascena Retail Group, a national specialty retailer selling apparel, shoes and accessories for missy and plus-size women under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, maurices, dressbarn and Catherines brands; and for tween girls under the Justice brand, is putting out a call for nominations for its second annual Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards.

Named for the co-founder of the first dressbarn store and current director emeritus for Ascena Retail Group, the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards is a not-for-profit program that gives financial awards to everyday heroes who are making the world a better place for women and children, specifically in the areas of health, education, social reform and self-esteem. Mrs. Jaffe co-founded the first dressbarn store in 1962, and helped transform that one store into a $5 billion retailer with five brands.

“I’m humbled and amazed at how many incredible individuals are doing such wonderful things,” said Roslyn S. Jaffe, director emeritus for Ascena Retail Group, in a company press release. “There were many road blocks when we first started our business, but by staying the course and maintaining my beliefs, we were always able to turn the road blocks into something that benefitted the business. Our award winners share this philosophy. Despite obstacles, there’s an overarching feeling of doing what it takes to serve those who may have had a life full of challenges.”

The grand prizewinner of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards will receive a $100,000 grant, and two runners up awardees will each receive $25,000 grants. The program seeks to recognize and reward lesser known people and organizations that will be able to make a major impact with the grant money they receive.

Ascena Retail Group received about 1,000 nominations for the inaugural Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards last year, and hopes to top that number this year. To submit a nomination form online, visit www.jaffeawards.com. Deadline for entry is June 15. Winners will be selected in mid-September by an esteemed selection committee, and will be honored at a finale luncheon event on Oct. 27.

Last year’s winners included Mamatoto Village, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., that provides education and health services for pre- and post-natal women in need; The Coffee Connection/Project Empower in Rochester, N.Y., a company that helps women build and sustain healthy lives after trauma; and The Sparrow’s Nest, a ministry center in Greensboro, N.C., that prepares promising youth in need for college and careers.

The Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards are an extension of the Ascena Retail Group’s Ascena Cares program, in which several funds were established to provide support directly to employees, their families and their communities, including: an emergency assistance fund to help employees in challenging times; a scholarship fund to help employees’ children get a higher education; and a crisis relief fund to help the surrounding communities in times of need. Ascena Retail Group is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.