New record: 510 PRIDE volunteers cleaned roads at Cumberland Falls
March 29, 2012 by clackey
A few of Whitley County's 208 volunteers accepted the Volunteer Cup, which was presented to the county with the most volunteers participating in the PRIDE Spring Cleanup Kick-Off. For more photos, please visit www.facebook.com/EasternKentuckyPRIDE.
In its fifth year, the PRIDE Spring Cleanup Month Kick-Off Celebration set a record for volunteer participation.
On Saturday, 510 volunteers enjoyed spectacular weather and breathtaking views as they picked up litter along Hwy. 90 and other roads near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. They removed 788 bags of trash and 56 tires from the scenic route.
“We had such a great time, joining together as a community to take care of something we cherish,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “From toddlers to great-grandparents, I saw smiles and a sense of accomplishment on the faces of all volunteers.”
“I thank each and every volunteer, the door prize donors and our partners in hosting the event,” Wilson added.
All volunteers received a free T-shirt, lunch and a chance at door prizes, which included overnight stays at DuPont Lodge and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Lexington. Wyman Owens of Whitley City won one of the most popular door prizes — two tickets to a University of Kentucky football game.
All volunteers also will receive a free train ride, thanks to a generous donation by the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The Railway has a list of volunteers’ names and will give a free ticket to any volunteer who calls before going to the station.
For the second year in a row, Whitley County won the “Volunteer Cup” for registering the most volunteers for the event. There were 208 volunteers from Whitley County and 188 volunteers from McCreary County. A few volunteers hailed from Ohio, Florida and even Ontario, Canada.
Beulah Mountain Christian Academy was the largest school-based volunteer group. The academy won a plaque from PRIDE, plus a $100 cash prize, which was sponsored by the McCreary County Fiscal Court and McCreary County 109 Board. The Pine Knot Job Corp won the plaque for 1st Runner Up.
The McCreary County ATV Club was the community group with the most volunteers, earning a plaque from PRIDE and a $100 cash prize from the McCreary County Fiscal Court and 109 Board. The 1st Runner Up among community groups was the team from Walmart.
The youngest volunteer was fifteen-month-old Jacksun Brown, who won a scooter.
McCreary County resident Jimmie W. Greene was the oldest volunteer. His prize was a seafood buffet dinner for two at DuPont Lodge.
Trent Howard won a bicycle for bringing in the most unusual piece of trash, which was a set of model cars.
Ezra McCarthy, originally from Ontario, Canada, won the prize for the hometown furthest from Cumberland Falls.
The Kick-Off Celebration is a partnership among Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County Fiscal Court 109 Board, Whitley County Fiscal Court, US Forest Service, McCreary County Extension Service, McCreary County Board of Education, Whitley County School System and Pine Knot Job Corp.
During PRIDE Spring Cleanup Month in April, volunteers will pick up litter across 38 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. Local governments organize the cleanup activities, and supplies, volunteer T-shirts and funding assistance are provided by PRIDE, which is southern and eastern Kentucky’s environmental cleanup and education campaign.
The region-wide Spring Cleanup is made possible by these sponsors: Waste Connections of Kentucky (Gold Sponsor), Outdoor Venture Corporation (Silver Sponsor), New Horizon Graphics (Bronze Sponsor), Lightyear Network Solutions (Bronze Sponsor), and Owens Auto & Truck Parts (Bronze Sponsor).
To volunteer for one of the 300+ Spring Cleanup events scheduled, or to plan your own Spring Cleanup event, please call the PRIDE office, toll free, at 888-577-4339.
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