Late last month, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful hosted its first, and now annual, Love Thy ‘Nati Celebration to recognize the volunteers and community leaders who have helped the nonprofit make monumental strides to improve the environment.
Seven “Rep the Crown Awards,” one of which is titled the Golden Glove award, was presented to City Councilmember Christopher Smitherman for launching the #OneBagofTrash challenge via social media. The campaign encouraged community members to gather litter in their respective neighborhoods, then tag their friends on social media and encourage them to do the same.
Three community awards with cash prizes of $500 were presented to the West McMicken Improvement Association, the North Avondale Neighborhood Association and Seven Hills Action Group. A Director’s Choice award was presented to Sahil Sharma and Brand Old Production for the creation and production of KCB’s first-ever public service announcement.
“In 2016, over 17,000 volunteers partnered with KCB to build community and foster pride in the places we live, work and play,” says Mary Huttlinger, executive director for KCB. “This event was to celebrate them.”
KCB, an affiliation of Keep America Beautiful, has worked since 1978 to find new and inventive ways to educate and encourage community members to take pride and greater responsibility when it comes to cleaning up their neighborhoods, and 2016 is a testament to its impact.
“Cincinnati is beautiful,” Huttlinger says. “And we are committed to keeping it that way.”
DO GOOD:
- Like KCB on Facebook.
- Volunteer with KCB.
- Be a community leader. Pick up trash when you see it and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
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