Attend the VIP Benefit and EARTH Awards

Mayor will present awards at annual award event to be held on May 14

by Alice Martinez

On Wednesday, May 14, San Diego EarthWorks will host the 13th annual VIP (Very Important Planet) Reception and EARTH Awards.

    Often, people making extraordinary efforts on behalf of the environment and our quality of life are unappreciated beyond their small circle of associates. EarthWorks' EARTH Awards help give these individuals and groups the wider acknowledgment they deserve, and will encourage others to follow their example.

    The evening will begin with a buffet and a silent auction to benefit San Diego EarthWorks, followed by the awards ceremony. Local businesses, organizations, individuals and government departments will be honored for their practical accomplishments toward a healthy, prosperous and sustainable San Diego.

    Mayor Dick Murphy will present the Department of Environmental Services Recycling Awards and San Diego EarthWorks' EARTH Awards. The Air Pollution Control District will also be presenting their Clean Air Award.

    The reception will be held at the City of San Diego Environmental Services Building, located at 6901 Ridgehaven Court in Kearny Mesa. This award winning “green” building is one of the top ten most energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings in the country, saving over 52 percent in utility costs compared to the nonrefurbished twin building next door.

 
Nominations are still open

    EarthWorks is asking the public to help identify potential recipients for the EARTH Awards. The nomination deadline is April 15.

    “In your daily life, you may have encountered individuals or groups worthy of nomination for an EARTH Award,” said Julaine Chattaway-Rich, EarthWorks' Executive Director. “It could be a student that has setup a recycling program at their school... a restaurant that has converted to recycled paper products... a government department that has eliminated pesticide use... an organization that is promoting zero-emission vehicles... the list of possibilities is endless.”

    A nomination form can be obtained from the EarthWorks website, www.earthdayweb.org, or by calling the office at (858) 272-7423.

    San Diego EarthWorks, a nonprofit corporation, is a network of volunteers in service to a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future for all living things. Their volunteers produce the annual EarthFair in Balboa Park, organize habitat restoration projects, and host events that inform and educate people about environmental issues.

    For more information, to make a donation to the silent auction, to volunteer or to reserve $35 single / $60 couple pre-event tickets, call (858) 272-7370, visit our website, www.earthdayweb.org, or email vip03earthdayweb.org.