“It’s not what you have, it’s what you give. And I have been blessed by doing that.”

Rudolph “Rudy” Powell, a Richmond resident and part-time Free Press photographer, lives by that credo.

The genial gentleman, who turned 75 on Sept. 17, put his giving philosophy into action again recently after being featured by WWBT-NBC12 in its weekly “Acts of Kindness” segment, which honors individuals who give back to the community.

His award, which came with three, crisp $100 bills, was simply another opportunity for Mr. Powell to commit even more acts of kindness.

No sooner did he have the money than he shared it with others.

He gave $250 to a Virginia State University student to help him buy books. He gave $20 to a young man from his neighborhood whom he mentors.

The $30 he has left he plans to give away, as well.

On Sept. 8, NBC12 anchor Sabrina Squire, a news crew, and about 15 of Mr. Powell’s friends and neighbors came to his home on Park Avenue in the West End to pay tribute to him for his community volunteerism.

He is known to cut grass for seniors in his neighborhood, take them to the store and doctor’s appointments, share vegetables grown in his backyard garden, visit the sick and elderly and mentor young men in his neighborhood and church.

He also has been an usher, greeter and trustee at Westwood Baptist Church in the West End for more than 30 years.

Mr. Powell, a retired Virginia State University employee who also has a photography business, was nominated for the award by friend and longtime Richmond disc jockey Kirby Carmichael, who called Mr. Powell a “Crown Prince.”

Mr. Powell’s wife, Hattie, was in on the honor and made sure he was home to receive it.

As the cameras rolled, Mr. Carmichael handed a smiling Mr. Powell three $100 bills from NBC12.

“I could have all the money in my pocket and all the accolades, but what good is it for me if I keep it all for myself?” Mr. Powell told the Free Press.