Cross Country

Call for Entries for Keep America Beautiful’s Annual Graffiti Hurts® Awards

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. has announced its 2006 Graffiti Hurts® National Awards.  Communities are encouraged to enter for an opportunity to win up to $6,000 in cash and prizes, and to earn national recognition for their graffiti prevention and removal programs.

First-place awards will honor innovative anti-graffiti programs in two population categories: over 300,000 and under 300,00. Both winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a digital FlashCAM-770 graffiti deterrent system, valued at $5,000.

An additional award category honors the best “paint brush mural” project.  The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a Graffiti Removal Started Pack which is valued at $400.

“Keep America Beautiful is proud to join with The Sherwin-Williams Company in recognizing creative programs and partnerships that prevent graffiti and raise awareness about this important quality-of-life issue,” said G. Raymond Empson, president of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “The Graffiti Hurts National Awards program provides and incentive to communities taking action across America, and all of the entries and winners serve as inspirational models for others to follow.”

The contest is open to all anti-graffiti projects that have taken place with thin last 12 months.  Local governments, law enforcement departments, youth groups downtown associations, crime prevention organizations, and other groups dedicated to eradicating graffiti vandalism are encouraged to enter.

The entry deadline is September 15, 2006. Dowwnload an entry form at www.kab.org or www.graffitihurts.org.