Special Projects Award
Jason Johnson
Phoenix Parks & Recreation Department

Jason, the sole gardener for the 44 acre Tovrea Castle & Carraro Cactus Gardens, was instrumental on many fronts in helping Keep Phoenix Beautiful complete many projects. During our inaugural Corporate Challenge event, Jason hosted over 100 volunteers from University of Phoenix and BNSF Railway in doing special projects around the unique property. Then in October, Jason hosted another 75 volunteers from UPS during their Global Volunteer Month, using their labor to build a handicapped trail, clean the perimeter of the property and even had the children painting rocks that line the property. Both projects received national exposure for KPB, the Tovrea Castle, and the companies involved. Jason’s historical knowledge of the property, seen from the Loop 202 Freeway, surprised many longtime Phoenix residents.

Civic Award
Theresa Foster
Department of Public Works
City of Phoenix

Theresa has been such a big help to Keep Phoenix Beautiful over 2009 that there was no question who would get this award. Her help over the past two years with the PF Chang’s Rock ‘N Roll Marathon clothing pick-up has been instrumental in 4.5 tons of clothing being delivered to the Watkins Shelter in Phoenix. Discarded runners’ clothing from the start to three miles into the half marathon course was collected and delivered to the shelter and kept out of the landfills. Theresa’s leadership in managing over 120 volunteers was instrumental in making this project a success. Theresa also always thought of KPB, bringing potential grant opportunities to our attention.

Small Business Partner Award
Westech Recyclers, Inc.

Westech and its President Earl Knudsen have been important partners of KPB for many years. Earl was a Board member for nine years, as well as serving as President for a term. Westech also brought together KPB and AZStRUT for Computer Recycling Day in April, an event that encompasses the whole Valley to keep electronics out of landfills. Westech has been a sponsor of both Earth Day Phoenix and Keep Phoenix Beautiful, even in the worst economy witnessed in over fifty years. We can always count on Westech to assist on projects large and small.

Corporate Partner Award
Waste Management  

Waste Management, through the Think Green Grant Program of Keep America Beautiful, awarded us the seed money to start Earth Day Phoenix in 2009. They have returned as a sponsor in 2010, and assisted us on many projects over the past year. From alley clean-ups in south Phoenix to providing dumpsters and Bagsters for community groups to participating in our Corporate Challenge, Waste Management has always lent us a hand. When Waste Management took over sponsorship of the Phoenix Open in December 2009, another new partnership emerged. We assisted with volunteers for the length of the tournament and were thrilled to receive recognition at the end from the CEO of Waste Management in a $25,000 award split with Keep America Beautiful.

Corporate Partner Award
University of Phoenix

Among other things, KPB was awarded a grant from the University of Phoenix Foundation to assist us in upgrading our education program, which was twenty-five years old. The grant enabled us to expand our staff and dedicate that person to education. It also helped us with upgrading our technology, and best of all -- have a new Recyclesaurus costume made. University of Phoenix also provided us with many, many volunteers, challenging us to keep coming up with better projects for them. We had them working at Tovrea Castle, digging irrigation ditches at a community garden, and they sent a team to volunteer on Earth Day. The community partnerships, especially with Keep Phoenix Beautiful, are indeed impressive.

Non-Profit Partner Award
Darren Chapman
Tigermountain Foundation

There is no other word to describe Darren Chapman and Tigermountain Foundation other than WOW! The partnership KPB has formed with Tigermountain is impressive, but what is truly impressive is the work Darren does in the community of south Phoenix. Keeping kids off the streets, showing them that there is a “better way,” teaching them skills and values that will stay with them a lifetime, all while building an incredible community garden at 18th Street & Broadway that grows everything from melons to peppers to peanuts. Darren has hosted KPB volunteer groups of up to 175 people, always willing to take on the challenge of keeping them all busy. It is amazing to watch when a volunteer project is completed and see the satisfaction of all the participants. Not only does Darren keep kids busy, but the Tanner Properties Senior Housing residents next door to the Garden of Tomorrow seem to be thoroughly entertained as well.

Recyclesaurus Award
Jeanine Brothers

All we have to do is call or email Jeanine with a scheduled Recyclesaurus appearance and she is there for us to get in the costume and entertain kids. Our Recyclesaurus costume is twenty-five years old and heavy, with very little ventilation. Not once have we heard a complaint from Jeanine. But I am sure she is looking forward to our new costume premiering on Earth Day! The staff of KPB thanks you for your dedication to our organization and assisting with teaching children the importance of recycling and litter prevention. You are really a big help to us!

Volunteer of the Year Award
Jason Michael Walker

Jason was one of our first contacts with University of Phoenix. He was looking for environmental volunteer opportunities for himself and his staff. He began by spending the day with us at Earth Day Phoenix 2009 helping set up tables, unload cars and help things run smoothly. His team participated in our Corporate Challenge two weeks later and ended up winning our “Traveling Trophy.” Not one to rest, he told us he had 175 volunteers from his department looking for an offsite teambuilding project. They showed up at the Garden of Tomorrow and spent four hours digging irrigation ditches and listening to BJ the DJ. We are proud to award this honor to Jason!