May 17, 2021
Citywide beautification events continue through May
Collaboration and care for the community — in some respects, it’s just another day at the office on Philanthropy Row. But on Friday, May 14, the three organizations that inhabit a corner of downtown Springfield took those values to the streets.
Forty staff members of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Community Partnership of the Ozarks and United Way of the Ozarks turned out for a special Clean Green Springfield event to clean up their organization’s campuses, several city blocks, Founders Park and a stretch of the Jordan Creek Greenway, along with CPO’s new O’Reilly Center for Hope. All three organizations, which play vital roles in improving the quality of life for all people in the Ozarks, are headquartered at South Jefferson Avenue and East Trafficway in downtown Springfield — affectionately known as Philanthropy Row.
Clean Green Springfield is a special initiative of the City of Springfield and other community partners and sponsors to beautify the city and build community pride. Through special clean-up, planting and disposal events, the City’s multi-departmental team is providing unique ways for citizens to make an impact and spread positivity throughout the city.
“Clean Green Springfield is about showing pride in this place we all love and call home,” said Janet Dankert, President and CEO of CPO, who took part in the clean-up. “The CPO team was proud to work with our Philanthropy Row partners to clean up our little part of the community. It was a great opportunity to beautify our city and spend time with our partners while doing it!”
The several dozen bags of litter from the Philanthropy Row event are added to the more than 11 tons picked up by the community. To date, more than 1,300 individuals have participated in Clean Green Springfield events, which continue through May. To learn about upcoming opportunities, visit cleangreensgf.com.
