As a boy, the cards seemed stacked against Bishop Vernon Lambe.

Raised by his foster mother, he grew up with few advantages. Only one realistic future seemed to beckon...a jailbird.

Looking back, it's hard to equate that little boy with the Bishop Lambe Bermuda knows today.

In so many ways he represents a perfect Bermudian male role model.

On Friday evening, the great and good of Bermuda assembled at Fairmont Hamilton Princess to honour him.

Among those present for the Bermuda Health Foundation (BHF)'s third annual Charity Dinner were Premier Alex Scott, Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart Brown and a host of other MPs.

Also there were members of the First Church of God family, a place where Bishop Lambe has dedicated more than 30 years of service

Perhaps the most personal tribute came from his wife of over 45 years, Ruth Ann Lambe.

"He is my bishop. He is my boss. He is my lover and my friend," she said, adding: "I married well."

Many of Bishop Lambe's achievements were highlighted.

These included the variety of community programmes he has tried to implement Well-Elderly Day Care, a free lunch programme for three elementary schools, and a social service centre providing free household goods and clothing on a weekly basis.

In addition he is chairman of the Bermuda Independence Commission and provides pre-marital counselling and trauma counselling to members of the public.

Mrs. Lambe spoke of the humble beginnings her husband emerged from.

"He grew up with little and was destined to be a jailbird."

BHF chairman Philip Butterfield described Bishop Lambe as a man "who has embraced the role of a community servant, showing a vision and leadership that has benefited hundreds in this community."

Mr. Butterfield told guests: "I want to encourage you to reflect on your own role as a servant of Bermuda and your own level of commitment and dedication to making Bermuda the best society it can be.

"Over the past several decades, Bishop Lambe has exemplified this. He has given himself selflessly at home and abroad with the sole aim of the betterment of others.

"We all have the ability to make a difference, and if we could all be as devoted in all of what we do - then there are no limits to the wonders and greatness of Bermuda."

Bishop Lambe was gratified by the remarks.

"I am humbled by the honour and consider the fact that many others are investing their lives for the betterment of the community. I receive this award on the behalf of all the silent partners in this purpose."

Bishop Lambe believes that what truly makes a country great are its people.

He went on to say that a country is great "when we look beyond pigmentation and see character. When we learn that we all live together or we will all perish together".

"I live by what I know and stand by what I believe," he said.

During a standing ovation, in front of family, friends and colleagues, Bishop Lambe received his award from members of the BHF for his contributions to Bermudian society.

The event also saw three young ladies awarded scholarships of $10,000 to study careers in the health field.

The BHF, a project of brothers Bank of Bermuda CEO, Philip Butterfield, Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown and Fire Service Chief, Vincent Hollinsid, has donated over $50,000 in scholarships to deserving Bermudians studying medicine throughout the past five years.