Keep Irving Beautiful Presents Annual Awards - Thirteen Individuals and Groups Honored in Ten Categories

Irving, TX, August 16, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Keep Irving Beautiful’s annual “Mayor and KIB Awards” ceremony was held on Monday, August 6, at the First Baptist Church of Irving’s Fellowship Hall. The 135 guests were greeted and signed in by volunteers Sandy Franco, Chuck Kirk, Elouise McMillian, and Chandler Ude, then enjoyed a delicious appetizer buffet prepared by Pat Riddle, assisted by a staff of volunteers from the church. T.J. Friedel captured the moments with her photography and Matt Webb provided technical support.

KIB’s Volunteer Recognition Committee chair and hostess for the evening Margie Stipes opened the ceremony by inviting members of Boy Scout Troop 508 to present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Jim Gerlach from Oak View Baptist Church delivered the invocation, after which KIB Staff Rick Hose and Julie Schmitt gave an overview of activities during the past year. Mistress of Ceremonies Cathy Whiteman of Irving Community Television Network and honorary chair Mayor Rick Stopfer then came on stage to present the awards to the following honorees:

Youth Leadership Award: Youngs Men’s Service League
Educator Award: Kay Branch, Bowie Middle School
Educator Award: Enrique Otero, North Lake College
Faith Group Award: Oak View Baptist Church
Business and Industry Award: i Fratelli Pizza
Business and Industry Award: Fluor
Media Award: City of Irving Communications Department
Civic Organization Award: Irving Cares
Lifetime Achievement Award: Teddie Story
Civil Servant Award: Officer Stephen Burres III, Irving Police Department
Government Award: City of Irving Office of Emergency Management
KIB Hometown Award: Bruce Burns
KIB Hometown Award: John Danish

In addition to these winners, recipients of Keep Texas Beautiful awards were also recognized, and were presented their award by KTB Board Member Fred Davis.

Keep Irving Beautiful was acknowledged for achieving the President’s Circle Award from Keep America Beautiful, the Gold Star Award from Keep Texas Beautiful, and the Award of Sustained Excellence at both the state and national level.

“What a nice way to spend an evening – honoring our volunteers, partners, and sponsors,” said Mrs. Stipes. “We are here to acknowledge the award recipients, who all have done something special to make our city a better place, but we think that everyone who works with KIB, whether it is picking up litter or helping to plant a tree, is a winner in our eyes. It is important that we set aside a day to say thank you for all that they do.”

Keep Irving Beautiful is a non-profit, grassroots, leadership organization dedicated to educating our community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of our city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of our city including government, business, church, cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. If you are interested in volunteering with KIB, or making your activity a “green event,” please go to https://www.cityofirving.org/284/Keep-Irving-Beautiful , or call (972) 721-2175.