Clean Up The Lake named nonprofit of the year for California District 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Clean Up The Lake has announced Senator Brian Dahle named Clean Up the Lake as California’s 1st Senate District Non-Profit of the Year for 2021.

The dream of Clean Up the Lake, nearly two years in the making, was to remove trash accumulating in by scuba and around Lake Tahoe to reduce pollution to one of the most pristine and recognized lakes in the United States.

“Clean Up The Lake identified a problem and set-out to fix it. It is such an inspirational effort by this organization and all the volunteers to ensure Lake Tahoe remains a national treasure,” said Senator Brian Dahle.

“We are honored to be recognized as non-profit of the year and our extraordinary accomplishments are only made possible by our hardworking teams of volunteers, dedicated staff, committed Board Members and supportive community. We hope to be around for years to come and to push our mission to fight back against plastic pollution and all forms of litter both above and below the surface of our local waterways, across the state, the nation and abroad,” said Colin West, Executive Director and Founder of Clean Up the Lake.

Currently, the Clean Up The Lake team is undertaking an unprecedented project circumnavigating 72-Miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline to remove trash from beneath the lake’s surface. The project was primarily funded by contributions raised by the Tahoe Fund from over 135 businesses and people passionate about the cause. The fundraising campaign launched with an initial $100,000 match offered by Tahoe Blue Vodka, the project’s presenting sponsor, which was quickly followed by a $25,000 donation from Vail Resorts. Additional funding was also provided by Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate proceeds and other grant giving foundations.

“We applaud the mission of Clean Up the Lake and are extremely proud to be the title sponsor of the unprecedented 72-mile underwater clean-up,” said Matt Levitt, Founder/President of Tahoe Blue Vodka. “It is rewarding to be part of an organized effort that makes such an immediate impact and is perfectly aligned with our brand promise to help keep the precious water of Lake Tahoe pure, pristine and brilliantly blue.”

The clean-up effort launched on May 14, 2021, and divers will continue their work throughout the summer and fall. The effort is expected to be complete in November 2021, weather and conditions permitting.

“Supporting projects like this is core to our mission, and it’s clear that by the time this effort concludes, the positive impact to Lake Tahoe will be significant,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “With the summer season now underway and the July 4 holiday upon us, we want people visiting Tahoe to remember that by packing out their trash, they can play an important role in helping to keep trash out of the lake.”

This is the sixth year of the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative. A formal Senate Resolution is being prepared to recognize Clean Up the Lake, which will be delivered at a later date.

To support Clean Up The Lake and future endeavors, visit cleanupthelake.org.