Finalists Named for Virginia's Cox Conserves Heroes Program, Public Asked to Vote

CHESAPEAKE, Va., May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land are recognizing volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces. Finalists for Virginia's Cox Conserves Heroes program are being announced today, and the public is being asked to vote now through June 17. To vote, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com and select the Virginia area.

A total of $15,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the three finalists, who were selected to represent the Fairfax County/Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads and Roanoke areas and compete for the overall recognition of Virginia's Cox Conserves Hero.

As a finalist, each individual has secured a $2,500 donation for his or her nonprofit of choice to be designated toward outdoor projects benefitting the public. The finalists are now competing for an additional $7,500 – bringing the total award to $10,000 for the winner's nonprofit of choice. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

Virginia's Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists

Fairfax County/Fredericksburg: Carlin Anderson founded the Herndon Environmental Network (HEN) to focus on green efforts in the community. She has spent countless hours recruiting and organizing volunteers for trash cleanups, invasive plant removals and community garden support. She understands the importance of collaboration and is using it to raise awareness about environmental issues. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is the Herndon Environmental Network.

Hampton Roads: Jamie Walski is transforming an eyesore into a beautiful community garden. She leads the South Norfolk Harvest Share that brings the community together by providing organic produce for garden participants and residents in need. She also implemented a cooperative garden with Rena B. Wright Primary School to provide onsite educational gardens. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is the South Norfolk Civic League.

Roanoke: Bill Gordge has helped maintain Roanoke's section of the Appalachian Trail for three decades. He has helped design, build and expand the local trail network, while also teaching crews and students about sustainable trail construction. His goal is to get people of all ages outdoors to appreciate the beauty of nature. His environmental nonprofit of choice is Pathfinders for the Greenway.

Virginia's Cox Conserves Hero will be announced on June 24.

Anne Little was selected as Virginia's 2012 Cox Conserves Hero for her work with Tree Fredericksburg, an organization she launched with the goal of planting and sustaining an urban forest in the city. Chris Clifford was named Virginia's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero. He helped construct fifteen athletic fields at local schools and parks, as well as a park entrance road and a wildlife habitat pond.

Lynnhaven River Now, Newport News Green Foundation, Tree Fredericksburg,  Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission, Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation and Western Virginia Land Trust have received donations through the Cox Conserves Heroes program.  

For more information, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times, including the last seven years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About The Trust for Public Land
Founded in 1972, The Trust for Public Land is the leading nonprofit working to conserve land for people. Operating from more than 30 offices nationwide, The Trust for Public Land has protected more than three million acres from the inner city to the wilderness and helped generate more than $34 billion in public funds for conservation. Nearly ten million people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. 

About Cox Conserves
With revenues of more than $15 billion, Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

SOURCE Cox Communications