An organization with local ties recently was awarded the 2015 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award for community organization.

Richmond-based Virginia Dental Association Foundation Mission of Mercy made a visit to Suffolk on Feb. 28.

“Virginia volunteers embody the values of community, cooperation and service to one another that make this commonwealth such a great place to live,” said Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “I am so proud to help celebrate these outstanding individuals, organizations and companies that are working every day to make life better for people in every corner of Virginia.”

Dr. Leroy Howell, a Suffolk dentist, was involved in the project.

“It’s a great award, and it was a wonderful effort by a lot of volunteers, dentists, assistants, hygienists and other volunteers,” Howell said. “A lot of people in Suffolk helped on it.”

This year’s Suffolk project was the 80th since Mission of Mercy’s inception. It served about 550 people with dental services valued at more than $510,000, including 580 fillings and 1,219 extractions.

It was funded by a grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation and supported by a large contingent of businesses, organizations and individuals, including the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, King’s Fork Middle School, Sentara Obici Hospital, the city of Suffolk, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Suffolk Rotary Club, Virginia Dental Association and the VCU School of Dentistry, among many others.

“I think it was a great thing that speaks very highly of our community and the volunteerism within the community,” Howell said.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, MOM volunteers have donated more than 160,000 hours and served nearly 60,000 patients in communities throughout Virginia. Their model has been used by 28 other states and has been recognized by the American Dental Association.

The Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards also included awards for adult, senior, family and youth volunteers, corporations, educational institutions and faith-based organizations.