Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation commemorates 40 years of preventing litter, reducing waste, providing water education, and beautifying public spaces. 

The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) celebrated its 40th anniversary during its recent annual conference, which included a birthday bash and an awards ceremony. More than 170 people attended the series of events in Macon, Georgia, including Helen Lowman, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, and Carolyn Crayton, founder, president, and CEO emeritus of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, Georgia’s first Keep America Beautiful affiliate.

“We’re proud of the strides we’ve made toward sustainability over the last 40 years,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “It has been an honor welcoming members of our network to celebrate this milestone together.”

The awards ceremony annually honors outstanding efforts of local individuals and organizations, as well as achievements of Keep America Beautiful affiliates across Georgia.

“It’s exciting to consider the scale and impact of our affiliates over the last four decades,” said Michael Power, board president of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “None of it would be possible without the individuals, schools, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies that come together to improve our communities.”

KGBF was the first-ever state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Founded in 1978 by Governor George Busbee, KBGF became a 501(3)c in 2011, and continues to provide support to the nation’s largest network of local affiliates, with 78 local programs serving 80% of the state’s population.

(Above picture from left to right: Helen Lowman, Keep America Beautiful President and CEO; Theresa Robinson, Georgia Power External Affairs Manager; Gloria Weston-Smart, Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission Executive Director; Carolyn Crayton, Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission Founder, President, and CEO Emeritus; Lynn Cobb, Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Board Treasurer; Natalie Johnston-Russell, Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Executive Director; Frances Kennedy, Keep East Point Beautiful Executive Director.)

By: Kaitlyn Lauer