New Mexico Environmental Law Center Wins Piñon Award
“Epitome of behind-the-scenes dedication”
SANTA FE, N.M.— Each year, the Santa Fe Community Foundation celebrates the extraordinary work of area nonprofits with the Piñon Award – the only local award devoted exclusively to recognizing nonprofit organizations. This year, the Foundation will present one of four awards to the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC).
The “Quiet Inspiration Award” is given to an “un-sung hero” organization whose hallmark is to work quietly and respectfully among a wide range of people in the community. The winning organization has the full, long-term support of its clients and constituents, despite its unassuming presence in the community. “The Center’s nomination struck the Awards Committee as the epitome of behind-the-scenes dedication,” says Brian Byrnes, the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s President & CEO.
“Since 1987 the New Mexico Environmental Law Center has worked on behalf of all New Mexicans,” says Byrnes. “Protecting our water, lands and air, in addition to working on drilling issues, indigenous sacred lands and water quality issues, the New Mexico Environmental Law Center provides free and low-cost legal services for underserved communities needing to protect their natural resources. We were impressed with The Center’s commitment to work that benefits us all and felt that the Quiet Inspiration Award recognized its particular contributions.”
“We are very grateful to the Foundation for this recognition,” says Douglas Meiklejohn, Executive Director of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. “We are particularly honored by this award because we believe that the communities that are at risk from environmental degradation should take center stage in the work to protect their environments and health. We have spent the past 24 years representing countless strong, dedicated people and organizations. Together, our work for their communities results in a better New Mexico for everyone.”
Winners receive an unrestricted grant, public acknowledgement in the media and at an awards ceremony, and a statuette honoring their achievement.
The other non-profits being recognized this year are:
- Southwest CARE, Es Mejor Saber program (Innovation Award)
- Santa Fe Alliance (Visionary Award)
- Santa Fe Mountain Center (Tried & True Award)
Event Details:
Awards Ceremony: (Free and open to the public; no tickets necessary)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 6pm
Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco Street
After Party:
Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 7pm
Eldorado Hotel & Spa, 309 W. San Francisco Street
Tickets: $75/person (portion is tax deductible)
Purchase through the Lensic Box Office 505-988-1234
The mission of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center is to protect New Mexico’s natural environment and achieve environmental justice for New Mexico’s communities through legal representation, policy advocacy and public education. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center’s attorneys have handled over 100 critical cases in low-income and minority communities fighting pollution and environmental degradation. The NMELC charges few, if any, fees to its clients, most of who are from Hispanic and Native American communities. The NMELC celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008. Membership and gifts help New Mexico communities protect their natural environment and their health from toxic pollution, the degrading effects of growth and liabilities created by irresponsible mining.
INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Contact:
Juana Colón,
Communications and Public Education Associate
New Mexico Environmental Law Center
505-989-9022, ext. 21