PRIDE President thanks everyone who supported Cumberland Falls cleanup

Dear Editor:

I am writing to thank everyone in Whitley County and the Corbin area who supported the Cumberland Falls PRIDE Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 30, 2016.

I am delighted to announce that a grand total of 404 volunteers participated in the event. We were extremely pleased with the volunteer turnout, especially given the rainy forecast that day. The majority of volunteers came from Whitley County and McCreary County, but surrounding counties were well represented. Even two Michigan residents, who were visiting the falls, joined the cleanup.

Whitley County earned the Volunteer Cup trophy, which goes to the county with the most residents participating in the cleanup. I am grateful to the 198 Whitley County residents who volunteered.

For the Greatest Volunteer Participation Awards among groups, the top community group was Walmart, with volunteers from Corbin, London and the London Distribution Center. The First Baptist Church of Rockholds was the 1st Runner Up in the community category. In the school category, the Pine Knot Job Corps was the winner, and Whitley County High School JROTC was the 1st Runner Up.

In just two hours, the volunteers removed 738 bags of trash, four tires, and three TVs from Hwy. 90 and nearby roads, as well as the Cumberland Falls overlooks. As a result, visitors can now enjoy the scenic drive to Cumberland Falls without the distraction of roadside litter.

Also critical to this team effort were the individuals and businesses that donated food, door prizes, services, or money. We appreciate these people and businesses for their service to the community: Big South Fork Scenic Railway, District Office of Congressman Harold Rogers, Doug McCoy, Fastway, Junkyard Pottery, Kroger, London Walmart Supercenter, Lumber King, Master Musicians Festival, McCreary County Board of Education, Milton’s Burger Hut, Nails by Sherry, Pepsi Cola Bottling, Robert Mulinax, Robinson’s Premium Meats, Sheltowee Trace Association, Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, Sweet Kreations Gift Shoppe & Fudgery, United Cumberland Bank, Walmart Distribution Center 6097, and Whitley County School System.

The local partners who helped organize the event also are greatly appreciated. They were: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, McCreary County Extension Service, McCreary County Fiscal Court/109 Board, Pine Knot Job Corp, US Forest Service, and Whitley County Fiscal Court.

The sponsors of the region-wide 2017 PRIDE Spring Cleanup campaign were: Outdoor Venture Corporation, Walmart, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, and Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors, Inc.

Finally, I want to thank Eugenia Jones of the McCreary County Voice for photographing the event. Her photos can be seen at www.facebook.com/EasternKentuckyPRIDE.

Tammie Wilson
President/CEO
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc.