Press Releases
February, 2016
2016 DE-NC Beautiful Press Release_
NC Beautiful receives a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to fund 18 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) grants to K-12 teachers across North Carolina.
February, 2014
Elementary, Middle, and High Schools across the state are awarded grants that promote environmental awareness and preservation. NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants.
Eighteen schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants that are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
February, 2014
NC Beautiful Announces 2014 Recipients of The Duke Energy Foundation Windows of
Opportunity Grants
Grants will subsidize educational programs that promote environmental stewardship, awareness, and appreciation
April 9, 2013
NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants.
NC Beautiful Presents Eighteen North Carolina Elementary, Middle, and High Schools with 2013 Windows of Opportunity Grants that promote environmental awareness and preservation.
RALEIGH, NC – April 9, 2013 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants. Eighteen schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants that are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
March 22, 2013
NC Beautiful announces winners of the 2013 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grants from The Duke Energy Foundation
RALEIGH, NC – March 22, 2013 – NC Beautiful has announced the winners of the 2013 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grants from The Duke Energy Foundation. Eight schools were awarded WOO Grants, which were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping K-12 children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other students, and develop a sustainable outdoor program.
February 15, 2013
Coach Bobby Cremins Named 2013 NC Beautiful Golf Classic Honorary Chair
Environmental and educational non-profit selects Coach Bobby Cremins for annual fundraising event
RALEIGH, NC – February 15, 2013 – NC Beautiful has announced that Bobby Cremins will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the 28th NC Beautiful Golf Classic. The environmental non-profit’s fundraiser will be held from July 19-21 at Pinehurst Resort & Spa, one of the world’s finest golf resorts located among the Sandhills of North Carolina. Cremins is a veteran of 31 seasons as a college basketball head coach & the “winningest coach in Georgia Tech history.”
July 11, 2012
Duke Blue Devils Head Coach Named 2012 NC Beautiful Golf Classic Honorary Chair
Environmental and educational non-profit selects Durham university football coach, David Cutcliffe, for annual fundraising event
RALEIGH, NC – July 11, 2012 – NC Beautiful has announced that David Cutcliffe will serve as Honorary Chair of the 27th NC Beautiful Golf Classic. The environmental non-profit’s fundraiser will be held from July 20-22 at Pinehurst Resort & Spa, one of the world’s finest golf resorts located among the Sandhills of North Carolina. Cutcliffe is the Head Coach of the Duke Blue Devils football team.
May 3, 2012
Duke Energy to Serve as Co-Grand Sponsor of NC Beautiful’s 27th Annual Golf Classic
Ongoing commitment reinforces Energy Company’s mission to reduce its environmental impact and provide sustainable energy resources
RALEIGH, NC – May 3, 2012 – NC Beautiful has announced that Duke Energy will be serving as Co-Grand Sponsor of this year’s NC Beautiful Golf Classic. The environmental non-profit’s sole fundraiser will be held from July 20-22 at Pinehurst Resort & Spa, one of the world’s finest golf resorts located among the Sandhills of North Carolina. Duke Energy will be joining Republic Services as Co-Grand Sponsor.
April 11, 2012
Republic Services to Serve as Co-Grand Sponsor of NC Beautiful’s 27th Annual Golf Classic
Event commitment reinforces solid waste management company’s corporate mission to protect planet’s resources
RALEIGH, NC – April 11, 2012 – NC Beautiful has announced that Republic Services will be serving as Co-Grand Sponsor of this year’s NC Beautiful Golf Classic. The environmental non-profit’s sole fundraiser will be held from July 20-22 at Pinehurst Resort & Spa, one of the world’s finest golf resorts located among the Sandhills of North Carolina. Republic Services will be joining Duke Energy as Co-Grand Sponsor.
February 15, 2012
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of the 2012 Duke Energy Foundation Windows of Opportunity Grants
Grants will subsidize educational programs that promote environmental stewardship, awareness, and appreciation
RALEIGH, NC – February 15, 2012 – NC Beautiful has announced the winners of the 2012 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grants from The Duke Energy Foundation. Twelve schools were awarded WOO Grants, which were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping K-12 children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other students, and develop a sustainable outdoor program.
January 30, 2012
NC Beautiful Announces 2012 Windows of Opportunity Grant Recipients
Ten North Carolina schools selected to receive educational funds to promote environmental stewardship in the classroom
RALEIGH, NC – January 30, 2012 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants. Ten schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants that are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
April 7, 2011
Town & Country Garden Club Continues Support of Environmental Education with NC Beautiful Donation
Durham club supports environmental beautification and enhancement through donation of two $1,000 grants to Durham County educators
RALEIGH, NC – April 7, 2011 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced the contribution of two $1,000 Windows of Opportunity Grants to Durham County educators by Town & Country Garden Club of Durham. Windows of Opportunity Grants reward NC educators for their creativity in fostering environmental stewardship, leadership, and awareness and initiating a sense of community service.
February 18, 2011
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of the 2011 Duke Energy Foundation Windows of Opportunity Grants
Grants will subsidize educational programs that promote environmental stewardship, awareness, and appreciation
RALEIGH, NC – February 18, 2011 – NC Beautiful has announced the winners of the 2011 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grants from The Duke Energy Foundation. Seven schools were awarded WOO Grants, which were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping K-12 children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other students, and develop a sustainable outdoor program.
January 13, 2011
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of 2011 Windows of Opportunity Grants
Eight North Carolina schools selected to receive educational funds to promote environmental stewardship in the classroom
RALEIGH, NC – January 13, 2011 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants. Eight schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants (WOOG) that are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
November 9, 2010
25th Annual Azalea Celebration Awards Over 5,200 Plants to Community Organizations
Event started in 1985 has given away over 230,000 plants to groups throughout North Carolina
RALEIGH, NC – November 9, 2010 – NC Beautiful, in conjunction with WRAL-TV, MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, and ENCORE Azaleas, recently awarded over 5,200 azalea plants to 130 community organizations from all over the state of North Carolina. The plant distribution was part of the 25th Annual Azalea Celebration, which offers azaleas to non-profits throughout the state of North Carolina that wish to beautify their grounds by establishing well maintained and continuous landscaping projects.
September 1, 2010
NC Beautiful Accepting Applications for the 2010 Annual Azalea Celebration
Event started in 1985 has given away over 200,000 plants to over 2,500 North Carolina non-profits
RALEIGH, NC – September 1, 2010 – NC Beautiful has announced that it is accepting applications for the 25th Annual Azalea Celebration. NC Beautiful is working with co-sponsors WRAL-TV, MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, and ENCORE Azaleas to offer 5,000 azaleas to non-profits throughout the state of North Carolina that wish to beautify their grounds by establishing well maintained and continuous landscaping projects.
March 9, 2010
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of The Duke Energy Foundation Windows of Opportunity Grants
Grants will subsidize sixteen state-wide educational programs that promote environmental stewardship, awareness, and appreciation
RALEIGH, NC – March 9, 2010 – NC Beautiful has announced the winners of the 2010 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grants from The Duke Energy Foundation. Sixteen schools were awarded WOO Grants, representing a total of over $15,000 in educational grants. WOO Grants were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping K-12 children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other students, and develop a sustainable outdoor program.
January 21, 2010
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of 2010 Windows of Opportunity Grants
Twelve North Carolina schools selected to receive educational funds to promote environmental stewardship in the classroom
RALEIGH, NC – January 21, 2010 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants. Twelve schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants, representing a total of over $11,000 in educational grants. The grants are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
December 7, 2009
NC Beautiful Receives $40,000 Environmental Education Grant from The Duke Energy Foundation
Grant is one of the largest received to date by North Carolina preservation and beautification non-profit
RALEIGH, NC – December 7, 2009 – NC Beautiful has announced that the organization has received a $40,000 Windows of Opportunity Grant from The Duke Energy Foundation. Windows of Opportunity Grants were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping K-12 children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other students, and develop a sustainable outdoor program.
November 10, 2009
Town & Country Garden Club Contributes Windows of Opportunity Grants to NC Beautiful
Local club supports environmental beautification and enhancement through donation of two $1,000 grants to Durham County educators
RALEIGH, NC – November 10, 2009 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced the contribution of two $1,000 Windows of Opportunity Grants to Durham County educators by Town & Country Garden Club. Windows of Opportunity Grants reward NC educators for their creativity in fostering environmental stewardship, leadership, and awareness and initiating a sense of community service.
November 5, 2009
NC Beautiful Board Member Lena Gallitano Contributes Windows of Opportunity Grant to Gates County
Educational grants allow educators to build leadership and nurture environmental awareness amongst students
RALEIGH, NC – November 5, 2009 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, is accepting applications from K-12 teachers in Gates County, North Carolina for a $1,000 Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Grant contributed by organization board member Lena Gallitano. Windows of Opportunity Grants reward NC educators for their creativity in fostering environmental stewardship, leadership, and awareness and initiating a sense of community service.
September 28, 2009
NC Beautiful Announces Availability of State-Wide 2010 Windows of Opportunity Grants
Environmental non-profit now accepting applications from North Carolina K-12 teachers for educational grants
RALEIGH, NC – September 28, 2009 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced that it has begun accepting applications for its 2010 Windows of Opportunity Grants. The $1,000 grants are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
March 28, 2009
NC Beautiful Announces Yadkin PeeDee River Basin Grant Recipients
Water conservation grants will help educate 5th – 8th graders in areas hardest hit by NC drought
RALEIGH, NC – March 26, 2009 – NC Beautiful has announced the recipients of its Yadkin PeeDee River Basin Grants sponsored by Philip Morris USA and totaling $40,000. Grants were awarded to Nichole Wunderle of Mount Airy Middle School, Mount Airy (Surry County); Anita Fessler of Woodleaf Elementary School in Woodleaf (Rowan County); Lori Robinette of Shiloh Elementary School in Monroe (Union County); Sara Fuller of Archdale-Trinity Middle School in Archdale (Randolph County); and Barbara Beane of Farmer Elementary School in Asheboro (Randolph County). NC Beautiful Executive Director, Steve Vacendak, presented the Grants to the schools through separate check presentation ceremonies and was joined by Beth Earnst, NC Beautiful Treasurer and Director of Communications & Public Affairs, NAFTA Region, Ciba Corporation and Robin Nicholson, NC Beautiful Board of Director and Director & Manager of Sports Venues for Duke Energy.
January 6, 2009
NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of 2008 Windows of Opportunity Grants
Nineteen North Carolina schools each receive $1,000 to promote environmental stewardship in the classroom
RALEIGH, NC – January 6, 2009 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year’s recipients of the organization’s environmental education grants. The grants are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
September 15, 2008
NC Beautiful Announces Yadkin PeeDee River Basin Grants
Water conservation grants will help educate state’s youngest citizens in areas hardest hit by NC drought
RALEIGH, NC – September 15, 2008 – NC Beautiful has announced that it is now accepting applications for its Yadkin PeeDee River Basin Grants. The grants, sponsored by Philip Morris USA, are available to 5th grade teachers in the Yadkin PeeDee River Basin. Individual grants of $1500 will be awarded between January 2009 and June 2009 and will be used to develop water conversation programs targeting the 22 counties hardest hit by North Carolina’s recent drought.
September 5, 2008
NC Beautiful Announces Dates for 24th NC Beautiful Golf Classic
Annual event started in 1985 is non-profit’s primary fundraiser
RALEIGH, NC – September 5, 2008 – NC Beautiful has announced the dates for its annual golf event. The 24th NC Beautiful Golf Classic will be held July 24-26, 2009 at Pinehurst Resort, one of the world’s finest golf resorts located among the Sandhills of North Carolina. Attendees will be playing the resort’s No. 1 and 4 courses. Duke Energy, a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations and other energy services in the Americas, will serve as the event’s Grand Sponsor.
August 27, 2008
NC Beautiful Accepting Applications for 2009 Windows of Opportunity Grants
Educational grants promote environmental stewardship in North Carolina K-12 schools
RALEIGH, NC – August 27, 2008 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced that it will begin accepting applications for its 2009 Windows of Opportunity Grants on September 1. The grants are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.
July 18, 2008
NC Beautiful Golf Classic Attracts Sponsors from Across the State for Environmental Education
RALEIGH, NC – July 14, 2008 – NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, recently held its 23rd Annual NC Beautiful Classic at Pinehurst Resort. The golf event was held from June 6-8 and is the non-profit’s primary fundraising event.
June 18, 2008
Buckland Elementary School’s Butterfly Garden Takes Flight through Windows of Opportunity Grant
North Carolina school’s project thrives with 2007 grant from NC Beautiful
AHOSKIE, NC – June 17, 2008 – Despite record drought and limited funds, the first graders at Gates County’s Buckland Elementary School are still able to enjoy life and color in their newly established butterfly garden. Under the guidance of their teacher, Susan Parker, and with the help of NC Beautiful’s Windows of Opportunity Grant, the garden is thriving and serves as a valuable learning tool for its young stewards.
June 11, 2008
NC Beautiful Now Accepting Applications for 2008 Annual Azalea Celebration
Event started in 1985 has given away close to 200,000 plants to over 2,500 North Carolina non-profits
RALEIGH, NC – June 10, 2008 – NC Beautiful has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2008 Annual Azalea Celebration. The event, co-sponsored by WRAL-TV 5 and MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, is in its 23rd year and supports non-profits throughout the state of North Carolina that wish to beautify their grounds by establishing well maintained and continuous landscaping projects.
April 22, 2008
NC Beautiful Receives Water Conservation Grant from Philip Morris USA
Funds will help educate state’s youngest citizens in areas hardest hit by drought
NC Beautiful has announced that the organization has received a $40,000 Grant from Philip Morris USA (PM USA). The grant will be used to develop a water conservation program directed at 5th grade students in the Yadkin Pee-Dee River watershed. The program will empower teachers, through merit-based grants of $2,000 each, to allow students to experience scientific discoveries while instilling in them a sense of commitment to the environment and the community. NC Beautiful will target the 21 counties hardest hit by North Carolina’s recent drought and that make up some of the largest water consuming communities in the Piedmont.
