Keep Rutherford County Beautiful becomes affiliate of Keep America Beautiful

Shown in this Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Certification photo are: first row (left to right) Mallory Coffee, Director of Affiliate Development, Keep America Beautiful; Jenna Bailey, Keep RC Beautiful Executive Director; second row -- Rocki Raccoon; D

Keep Rutherford County Beautiful has become an affiliate with Keep America Beautiful (KAB) the nation's leading community improvement nonprofit organization. KAB inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment.

Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America's Communities.

"We are proud to see Keep Rutherford County Beautiful making litter, beautification and recycling a priority," stated Mallory Coffey, Director of Affiliate Development at Keep America Beautiful®. "Becoming an affiliate is an extensive process, only undertaken by those who understand the commitment needed to create a cleaner, greener and more beautiful community for the future."

The KAB organization believes everyone has a right to live in a clean, green and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 700 Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals.

Jenna Bailey, executive director of Keep Rutherford County Beautiful said, "What started as litter induced road rage six years ago has turned into a movement I could have never realized by myself."

Bailey said, after the county's first few litter sweeps it was apparent the combined efforts were just part of a bigger solution.

"With a team of dedicated volunteers, partnership with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and financial backing from the Tourism Development Authority, the County and local municipalities, we grew to incorporate student focused programs and awareness campaigns," Bailey said. "Now that we have joined the network of 700 other Keep America Beautiful affiliates, we are looking forward to the benefit of their experience, to connect with and learn from them."

She said other aspirations are to add beautification projects, run existing programs more efficiently and obtain grants that support the mission.

"This milestone will support us now and what we aim to become and it is very exciting," she added.