The fact that someone gave Johann Sobha $10,000 he didn't even ask for shows that life is unfair. And it also shows how generous people can be when you're unselfish.

Sobha, associate branch director at A.E. Finley YMCA, this week was one of the recipients of the Hands of Health 2006 Award from the John Rex Endowment

The award honors individuals "whose innovative work helps improve the health of underserved children in Wake County," according to a press release from the group, which supports health improvements for Wake County children.

Sobha, 36, was recognized for creating a day camp for autistic children at the Finley Y, which is on Baileywick Road in North Raleigh. He came up with the idea for the camp five years ago, and opened it three years ago.

"It was two years in the making," said Sobha, who goes by the nickname "Yo."

"The concept of the camp was something I dreamt about for a long time," he said. "There's nothing really in my life that says I should be working with autistic kids -- there's no one in my family or anything like that. It's something God put on my heart."

Sobha turned his dream into reality with help from colleagues; from organizations such as Small Miracles, an agency that helps autistic kids; from an advisory committee of experts, who designed a curriculum; and from volunteers. They opened YMCA Camp GRACE (growth, recognition, achievement, character and encouragement.)

The camp has grown from 80 kids the first summer to 125.

Administrators at the Y nominated Sobha for the award, which comes with $10,000. Sobha will use the money to expand its offerings.

The camp has produced some "remarkable, remarkable stories," he said. "It's been great."

If you want to know more about Camp GRACE or want to help, call Sobha at 845-3842.