Keep the Rez Beautiful received Keep America Beautiful’s President’s Circle Award for exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in building and sustaining vibrant communities. Meanwhile, one of KRB’s board members, Justin Fritscher, received Keep America Beautiful’s Young Professional Award.
The awards were received at Keep America Beautiful’s 60th anniversary National Conference, which recently took place in Washington, D.C. in late January.
“Keep the Rez Beautiful is so lucky to have a dedicated group of volunteers who help us clean up litter, promote recycling and beautify our community, and we could not have achieved the President’s Circle designation without their help,” KRB Executive Director Jeannine May said. “We are excited with what our volunteers have accomplished so far and to what they will accomplish in the future.”
In qualifying for a President’s Circle Award, KRB has met Keep America Beautiful’s standards of excellence by conducting an annual Community Appearance Index, calculating the affiliate’s cost/benefit ratio, and administering activities in the areas of litter prevention, recycling and waste reduction, and beautification and community greening.
“One of Keep America Beautiful’s most effective tools is the work of our grassroots network of affiliate organizations, which has an impact on millions of Americans each year,” said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Matt McKenna. “Our affiliates are providing real solutions to local problems caused by litter, graffiti, illegal dumping and other community blight by engaging volunteers of all ages in its effort to create a vibrant community.”
Additionally, KRB board member Justin Fritscher was selected for the Young Professional Award, given to a volunteer who has demonstrated leadership and outreach in litter prevention, beautification and recycling promotion. This is Keep America Beautiful’s first time giving this award. Fritscher has worked closely with KRB, helping plan litter cleanups, write and administer grants and organize tree plantings.
“Working with Keep the Rez Beautiful has been a great opportunity, and I am amazed at the positive impact that our volunteers have in the community,” Fritscher said. “We are looking for volunteers to help us make improvements to the Reservoir area, and we encourage you to join our volunteer corps.”
