Troy Tyloch, with Packers community relations director Cathy Dworak, has dedicated more than 10,000 volunteer hours since 1991.

Tuesday, 11 years of hard work paid off for Troy Tyloch.

Named the winner of the Community Quarterback Award, Tyloch accepted a $10,000 check from the Green Bay Packers on behalf of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. He also became eligible to receive the NFL's national Community Quarterback Award, which includes a $25,000 grant.

Tyloch, who himself is HIV-positive, has dedicated over 10,000 hours of volunteer time to the ARCW, helping more than 200 infected people cope with the ramifications of the HIV disease.

"Overwhelmed" and "honored" to win the award, Tyloch said it delivered an important message about living with HIV and AIDS.

"Having AIDS is not the end of the world," he said. "A life continues, even though it's harder. It doesn't mean it stops.

"I believe people with AIDS need to work harder, to try to find the good with the bad. It is there. It may not be what they think or what they expect, but it will appear."

Tyloch makes regular appearances speaking to high school classes and medical students, among other audiences.

"I didn't do this for an award," he said. "I did this for myself to share what I know and just to show that there is life after AIDS -- a short life, but it can be a very worthwhile life."

Bette Anderson and Bill Collar received runner-up honors and were awarded $2,500 checks for the Bay Area Humane Society and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, respectively.

All 10 finalists earned $1,000 rewards for their organizations.

The NFL Community Quarterback Award is funded by NFL Charities. It recognizes community and youth volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication and a commitment to bettering their communities.

The nominations process is fulfilled by charitable organizations that nominate their distinguished volunteers, and a selection committee is then appointed by each NFL team to select its finalists and winners.