With sign-ups for the event filling up in a matter of days, the Panthers had hundreds of staff and volunteers combing the beach for trash such as bottle caps, cigarette buts and various plastics.
After several hours, the "Beach Sweepers" had collected more than 350 pounds of trash.
"The big thing today is that this is a huge community-building event," Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Warren Sturman said. "Anything that's community-building is not only fantastic for the city, but for the community as a whole. The turnout for today's event is absolutely fantastic."
As the official sustainability partner of the Panthers, Waste Management (WM) was on site to support the organization's ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness in the community.
In addition to the "FTL Beach Sweep," Waste Management (WM) will work with the Panthers on future initiatives such as enhances in recycling, energy and water conservation and other sustainability programs.
"What a wonderful testimony to the All-Star Game and the Panthers that so many people have come out to clean the beach to present a wonderful welcome to all of our visitors for All-Star Week," Waste Management (WM) Director of Communications Dawn McCormick said. "We're really pleased to be a partner with the Panthers on this great day."
For information on other upcoming events during All-Star Week, visit
FloridaPanthers.com/AllStar
.
