Anthony Assante, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, announced that Washington Wizards All Star forward and former UConn standout Caron Butler was honored with the Chamber’s Role Model of the Year Award on Monday, July 20, 2009 at its monthly breakfast meeting at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell Hotel. The award is given each year to an individual who is a positive influence on the local and national community through displaying outstanding community involvement and activism. There were 500 people at the meeting.

Butler was selected for the distinction because of his positive impact on communities across the nation, including his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin, Washington, DC, as well as communities throughout Connecticut.

Butler joins a list of recipients of the award that includes Boston Celtics All-Star guard Ray Allen, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Ollie, and former Major League Baseball player Jeff Bagwell.

Along with the Role Model of the Year award, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell proclaimed Monday, July 20, 2009 to be ‘Caron Butler Day’ in the state, and Middletown, CT Mayor Sebastian Giuliano presented Butler with a key to the city.

University of Connecticut Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun, Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway, and former UConn standouts Kevin Ollie and Scott Burrell were all on hand to watch Butler receive the distinction. Both Calhoun and Ollie spoke on Butler’s behalf before he addressed the crowd. Butler received a standing ovation after his acceptance speech.

“We are thrilled that we were able to honor Caron with this distinction,” Middlesex Chamber President Larry McHugh said. “There was not a single person in the room who was not inspired by the great talk that he gave.”

"Today was really special,” said Butler. “It was a great day…the Role Model of the Year award, Caron Butler Day, and the key to the city! I'm so happy and honored. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of people and kids that I come across at home in Racine, WI, in Washington DC where I play, and here in Connecticut where they always show me love and support. It's just great, but I still have a lot more to do. I have to say thank you to so many people for believing in me, and thanks to Coach (Calhoun) and the entire UConn family for always supporting me. This day would not have happened without them, Govenor Rell and Mayor Giuliano."