Environmental Stewardship Awards Goes Virtual

PALM CITY, Fla. – Across the nation and around the world, there is no denying the pandemic has changed the landscape of our daily lives. People are practicing new ways of socializing, doing business, and staying safe. Nonprofits are no exception and are adapting to a world without in-person fundraising events. Keep Martin Beautiful, a volunteer-based, community organization decided to transform their annual fundraiser to a virtual platform and will be hosting this year’s Environmental Stewardship Awards as a live broadcast on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. through Facebook live.

“We had a really impressive group of nominees last year and when the pandemic hit and we couldn’t host our annual event this spring to celebrate them, it was disappointing,” explained Craig Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Instead, we came up with a fun and engaging way to recognizing them. We’re really looking forward to sharing the video on a live platform and celebrating all the groups and individuals who make Martin County a better place to live.”

With creative assistance from The Firefly Group, a local marketing and public relations firm, Keep Martin Beautiful’s pre-recorded video recognizes the award winners through a humorous theme of the organization acting as a local news station - WKMB. Anchoring the news update is Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi, and Stacy Ranieri, President and Chief Illuminator of Firefly. News correspondents and field reporters include Craig Ahal, Brier Clough, Anne Ellig, Erin Jenkins-Banas, Nick Ranieri, Tiffany Smith, John Vanilla, Jennifer Stull-Wise and Melissa Zolla. The WKMB “reporters” meet with award winners and highlight their environmental stewardship efforts and “news anchors,” Ciampi and Ranieri, keep things moving. 

“It’s heartwarming to still be involved with Keep Martin Beautiful after more than two decades and being a part of its growth and evolution over the years. It is also with great pride that we were able to tap into Firefly’s creativity to produce a virtual event for Keep Martin Beautiful that is both education and entertaining,” said Stacy Ranieri, President and Chief Illuminator of Firefly. “Everyone needs a little laughter these days and KMB’s Virtual Environmental Stewardship Awards should put smiles on viewers faces.”

Perhaps the most exciting change this event format brings is the ease with which anyone can attend. In previous years, ESA was a ticketed event with only so much available seating at the event location. With this year’s online format, there is no cost and no limit to how many viewers can join in the fun.

“We hope lots of new people will engage with Keep Martin Beautiful by watching our virtual environmental stewardship video from the comfort and safety of their own homes,” Ahal added.

For more information visit keepmartinbeautiful.organd be sure mark your calendars and RSVP to the Keep Martin Beautiful Environmental Stewardship Awards Facebook event page.

About Keep Martin Beautiful

Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1994 as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Martin County through litter prevention, the promotion of recycling, improvement of solid waste management practices, and beautification and community revitalization activities. KMB signature events and programs include the Environmental Stewardship Awards, the International Coastal Cleanup, the Great American Cleanup, the Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Street programs, and other educational and outreach activities. Find KMB on Facebook at facebook.com/KeepMartinBeautiful, follow KMB on Twitter at twitter.com/KMBmartin, visit KeepMartinBeautiful.orgor call 772-781-1222.