With over three decades in the Valley, Keep Phoenix Beautiful debuts a new garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, activities and honored guests Mayor Greg Stanton and Vice Mayor Laura Pastor.
Keep Phoenix Beautiful celebrated its 35th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28, debuting one of its new community gardens on 18th Avenue and Pierson Street.This official GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) event featured honored guests Mayor Greg Stanton and Vice Mayor Laura Pastor alongside community partners and leaders who have held a significant role in the organization’s success.
“Keep Phoenix Beautiful transforms empty lots into incredible spaces, educating countless children, residents, and visitors about the importance of creating a sustainable city through direct action,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “I’m especially grateful for the role Keep Phoenix Beautiful has played in helping refugees fleeing war-torn countries to find their place in Phoenix through community gardening.”
The 35th Anniversary celebration featured a ribbon cutting and award ceremony. The celebration debuted the new Keep Phoenix Beautiful Gardens: Pierson Street location, with dozens of local vendors, activities for children, refreshments, and a tour of the new garden space. The garden offers community plots for local residents, recycling and composting stations, educational spaces for youth and adult programs, and ASU’s SHADE solar home among other features. Sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Reimagine PHX, Salt River Project, and 9/11 Day.org have provided much needed significant support to bring the new garden to life.
“Thanks to our numerous community supporters, sponsors and volunteers, Keep Phoenix Beautiful has helped transform our city into a leading national affiliate that keeps our city green and beautiful,” said President and CEO Tom Waldeck, who is celebrating 10 years with the organization. “Our success has been a significant group effort over three decades, with countless leaders who have passionately embraced our mission. We are excited to celebrate with the Phoenix community at one of our new active garden spaces, and keep our mission going strong for another 35 years and beyond.”
Read Keep Phoenix Beautiful President Tom Waldeck’s review of the 35-year history of the KPB here, posted on the Downtown Phoenix Journal website.