THOUSANDS UNITE TO END STATEWIDE LITTER

Great American Cleanup™ in Oklahoma registration now open

An estimated 60,000 Oklahomans will join millions nationwide to participate in the Great American Cleanup™ (GAC) beginning March 1. This national program of Keep America Beautiful is sponsored in Oklahoma by Devon Energy and coordinated by Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB).

Devon joined forces with KOB in 2012 as its first statewide sponsor of the GAC in Oklahoma. Not only does their sponsorship expand program reach and reward environmental excellence, it harnesses the power of local volunteers to create change and quality-of-life improvement in Oklahoma communities.

Devon’s sponsorship helps KOB offer registered groups across the state free supplies and support materials for their cleanup projects, plus provides grants to outstanding local projects. Last year’s GAC effort resulted in five million pounds of litter being collected and 420,000 pounds of various materials recycled, saving Oklahoma an estimated six million dollars!

”Devon’s partnership with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful on this project last year was very successful in creating more awareness and participation in cleanup efforts,” said Wendi Schuur, Devon’s director of Public and Community Affairs. “We’re excited to continue the work to reduce litter and improve the quality of life in our communities.”

One outstanding effort during the 2013 GAC will be recognized with the Devon GAC Achievement Award, including a $1,000 cash prize!

Businesses, groups or organizations wishing to participate in the GAC in Oklahoma must register with KOB. By doing so, groups will receive supplies, program materials provided through national sponsors and grant opportunities made possible by OGE Energy Corp. Grant Applications are due by February 15, 2013

The single, largest one-day cleanup event during the GAC in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s “Trash-OFF.” The ODOT Trash-OFF is scheduled for April 20. Registration to participate in the event is free and can be completed online at gacinok.com or by calling 405.286.9141.

KOB’s Associate Director and Programs Manager Sonny Wilkinson said this program has benefits that last long after the program has ended.

“The GAC in Oklahoma is a great starting point for organizations to bring their communities together,” Wilkinson said. “Cleanup events like these will usually lead to year round commitments that transform Oklahoma and leave its citizens feeling proud of our state.”

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to encourage, facilitate and recognize grassroots efforts that will improve the aesthetic, environmental and sustainable quality of life in Oklahoma. You can learn more about the organization by visiting keepoklahomabeautiful.com

For more information, or for a photo from the 2012 GAC effort, contact:

Sonny Wilkinson, Associate Director/ Projects Manager

W: www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com

E: sonny@keepoklahomabeautiful.com

P: 405.286.9141