Eastern Bank yesterday presented the bank’s 2014 Community Advocacy Award to Gov. Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick.

The annual award recognizes the region’s best community leaders and their contributions to improve the quality of life in eastern Massachusetts communities.

"Diane and I are honored to be recognized by Eastern Bank, a corporate leader in advocating for equality and opportunity," Patrick said in a statement. "I look forward to our continued partnership with Eastern Bank to move our commonwealth forward."

Patrick was recognized for his work at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, in the Clinton White House as assistant attorney general, at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and as governor of Massachusetts. Diane Patrick was honored for advocacy in the area of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well education, and her service for nonprofit organizations such as The United Way, Jane Doe Inc. and the Posse Foundation.

"Eastern Bank is proud to recognize Gov. Patrick and Mrs. Patrick with Community Advocacy Awards, which are especially meaningful in 2014 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act," Richard Holbrook, Eastern Bank chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "There is no better time than now to honor the Patricks for their lifelong dedication to fighting for equal access, equal opportunity and for the betterment of all people."