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Community Volunteers Spruce up the U-District

by Jenny Frankl, North Region Neighborhood District Coordinator

It was a gorgeous, sunny Saturday for the 20th annual “U-District Community Clean-Up” on May 11th, 2013.  Over 140 U-District neighbors – including students, families, churches, local businesses, community groups, youth groups, and non-profits – came together to give the U-District that extra shine just in time for the U-District Street Fair that took place just this past weekend. 

SAMSUNGThis effort, led by representatives from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Public Utilities, the U District Chamber of Commerce, University District Business Improvement Association, University District Food Bank, the University of Washington,  the Roosevelt Neighbors’ Alliance, University Heights Center, and the Sanctuary Art Center, did not disappoint J.   I don’t know about you, but I don’t always think of “Cleaning Up” as a FUN thing to do, but I have to say – as a first-time participant in the event – it was every bit of FUN and I will be back!  It is amazing what happens when you add ‘community’ to cleaning up.   Since that wonderful Saturday, I have seen many of my fellow clean up in random Ave spots and we still laugh about the day’s events. 

The highlight of the day for me was the Trash Contest & Raffle!  Clean Up volunteers displayed their trashy treasures and earned prizes for the “Most Unusual,”  “Ave Worthy,”  “Most Romantic!!,”and “Best Mother’s Day Gift” items.  Each volunteer group was asked to describe why their items were prize-worthy, which had judges falling out of their chairs. 

A very special thanks to the U-District Community Clean-Up’s partners and sponsors!!!  Thanks to our generous sponsors, each volunteer was fed a delicious breakfast, outfitted with a stylish free t-shirt, and armed with the tools they needed to CLEAN UP this great neighborhood!  Upon their return, volunteers were fed a tasty lunch and were in the running for over 20 prizes from local U-District businesses. 

It was a great day of volunteerism and a great day for the University District neighborhood.

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