Monday, March 31, 2008

City of Dallas commemorates Arbor Day with dedication of Mary Kay Ash Grove in Pioneer Park

Donation of 45 redbuds honors company's 45th anniversary

By Pegasus News wire

Updated 01:54 p.m., April 4, 2008

DALLAS — Proclaiming April 4th Arbor Day in the city of Dallas, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Elba Garcia joined representatives from Mary Kay Inc., the Arbor Day Foundation and city officials Friday afternoon for the dedication of the Mary Kay Ash Grove, where 45 redbud trees pay tribute to late founder Mary Kay Ash and her company’s 45th anniversary year. The tree donation marks the annual Arbor Day in the city of Dallas, as well as the kick-off of Mary Kay’s “Pink Doing Green” initiative to plant 100,000 trees in the continental United States in 2008. The 100,000 donated trees will be planted in partnership with the national Arbor Day Foundation under the guidance of the U.S. Forest Service.

"Mary Kay has been an important contributor to the City of Dallas – economically and culturally," said Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. "We’re proud to be here today as the Company makes another positive impact on our landscape – one that will enhance the quality of life of our citizens for many generations to come by helping us increase our green space, combat the urban heat island effect and build a greener Dallas."

Following a press conference, a group of volunteers from Mary Kay Inc. helped plant the trees on a gentle slope in front of the Dallas Convention Center facing Griffin Street. A plaque, inscribed with a quote from Mary Kay Ash, marks the entrance to the grove.

"Mary Kay Ash founded her Company on the Golden Rule, and we believe that philosophy should extend to our efforts to find ways to be even more sustainable and green," said David Holl, president and chief executive officer of Mary Kay Inc. "As we celebrate our Company’s 45th anniversary year, this gift to Dallas is a perfect way to launch our national partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and to honor our founder. Mary Kay brought beauty into the lives of so many, and we hope this grove will do the same."

"Trees provide much more than natural beauty; they provide cool shade, block winter’s harsh winds, attract wildlife, clean our water, purify our air and even help stop climate change," said Kevin Sander, director of corporate partnerships for the Arbor Day Foundation. "Throughout the last 20 years, nearly 10 million trees have been planted thanks to the contributions of members, individuals, organizations and corporate partners like Mary Kay who are helping to ensure a healthier, greener planet."

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Research has proven the profound environmental, economic and social benefits that come from as little as one tree. As part of its commitment to the "Pink Doing Green" initiative, Mary Kay will donate 100,000 trees – which constitutes half of a forest -- to be planted in the Bitterroot National Forest in southwest Montana and Idaho before the year’s end.

April 4th also marks the first day of the Share the Dream! Career Conference at the Dallas Convention Center, where 2,000 attendees from the Mary Kay independent sales force are expected. This annual two-day event, held in approximately 40 cities throughout the United States, includes workshops, product education and career development classes and attracts some 75,000 Mary Kay independent sales force members. The City of Dallas and Dallas Convention Center have long been partners of Mary Kay; in addition to Career Conference, the city and Convention Center play host to an average of 40,000 of the Company’s independent sales force members every summer during Mary Kay Seminar, Dallas’ largest annual convention.

Source: City of Dallas Office of the Mayor

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