Finalists Named for California’s Cox Conserves Heroes Program

Today The Trust for Public Land and Cox Communications announced the finalists for California’s Cox Conserves Heroes 2015 awards. The public is invited to vote for the winner now through May 31 at CoxConservesHeroes.com. A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the three finalists, who were selected to represent Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara and compete for the overall recognition as California’s Cox Conserves Hero.

As a finalist, each individual is guaranteed a $5,000 donation for his or her environmental nonprofit of choice. The finalists are now competing for an additional $5,000—bringing the award total to $10,000 for the winner’s nonprofit of choice. The winner is chosen through an online public vote.

California’s 2015 Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists

Orange County: Jason Pribram protects and preserves oceans, beaches and waterways. He is responsible for at least five Adopt-A-Beach cleanups in Laguna Beach per year and helped place recycling bins on the beach. His philosophy is to educate, activate and motivate individuals and groups to be part of the solution in their own respective communities. His environmental nonprofit of choice is ECO-Warrior Foundation.

San Diego: Derryl Williams has helped bring desperately-needed environmental improvements to his community in Southeastern San Diego by raising more than $1 million for creek and park restoration projects. He also rolls up his sleeves to build trails and clean neighborhood canyons, making them safe and beautiful for community use. He has recruited hundreds of area youth to help make a difference. His environmental nonprofit of choice is Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek.

Santa Barbara: Jordan benShea has been instrumental in growing public awareness about the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens and is committed to the urban farm model. She also serves on the boards of the Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Beekeepers Association. She volunteers as a spokesperson for the organizations at community events to share her eco-experiences and encourage others to live a sustainable life. Her environmental nonprofit of choice is Community Environmental Council.

California’s Cox Conserves Hero will be announced in early June. The program is sponsored locally by Bank of America and the University of San Diego, as well as supported by Orange County’s KX 93.5.

Cox Conserves Heroes also takes place in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Virginia. Nearly $500,000 has been donated to local nonprofits and more than 140 volunteers have been honored through the Cox Conserves Heroes program.