Hard work has paid off for the San Diego River Park Foundation who announced today that they were selected as the 2011 Take Pride in America National Award winner for outstanding partner.
On Monday, July 18, the group known or its cleaning efforts throughout river areas in San Diego will receive the award at the South Court of the White House.
“We are deeply moved by this national recognition,” said Rob Hutsel, the organization’s executive director and one of its founders. “It is a testimony to the great efforts of thousands of volunteers to change the future of our historic San Diego River,” said Hustel who will be in Washington to receive the ward on behalf of the group.
Volunteers have collectively removed over 1.3 million pounds of trash and debris from a 52 mile river parkway stretching from the mountains to the beach and have worked over 20,000 hours collectively, according to a media release.
Thousands of locals have worked for the program, which was found in 2001, bringing its total membership up to 3,000 people.
Paired with the major win, the group also will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Monday, for which a birthday party is planned on July 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Take Pride of America program is a Congress authorized group that is meant to promote appreciation of the nation’s public lands and recognizances groups every year that do so in a creative and innovative way.
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“It is inspirational to think that the White House is aware of the great work being done here,” said Hustel.
