(Tampa, FL.) –Friends of the Riverwalk Executive Director, MaryBeth Williams, has been honored for her contributions to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. The nonprofit honored Williams with an Environmental Service Project award at its 33rd Annual Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Awards Breakfast.
Williams was recognized for the regular Riverwalk cleanups she has organized since taking the helm of Friends of the Riverwalk in 2019. Dozens of volunteers gather every two to three months to pick up trash and other waste along the Tampa Riverwalk. Volunteers range from students who earn community service credits to other service organizations, businesses, and community members. During a recent cleanup in November, more than 150-lbs of trash was recovered and disposed.
“So many people enjoy the Riverwalk and they want to help take care of it,” noted Williams. “The cleanups are a way for volunteers to give back to the community and to keep the Tampa Riverwalk as pristine as possible – not just for residents, but for the many visitors who consider the Riverwalk a must-see destination.”
Friends of the Riverwalk partners with Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful for each cleanup. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful provides supplies such as gloves and trash bags while Friends of the Riverwalk supplies all the volunteers needed. It’s not unusual for 60 Riverwalk volunteers to take part in a cleanup event. In 2021 alone, more than 260 volunteers have pitched in for the Friends of the Riverwalk sponsored cleanups.
About Friends of the Riverwalk
Friends of the Riverwalk is a privately funded non-profit that supports special events, activities and beautification efforts along the Tampa Riverwalk. Working in partnership with the city, its mission is to develop, activate and promote Tampa’s downtown waterfront.
For more information, visit www.TheTampaRiverwalk.com.
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