[Lexington, Ky.] – Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) will host its sixth annual rain barrel reception, sponsored by Whitaker Bank, on Saturday June 6 in the lower atrium at Lexington Green. The event runs from 5-7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It will be the only opportunity to see the 27 barrels in the 2009 artistic rain barrel program together in one place.
The reception will serve as the official kickoff to a ten-day online auction of the painted barrels. Interested buyers may visit eBay from June 6-16 and search ‘artistic rain barrels’ to see a complete list of barrels that are for sale. All proceeds from the rain barrel auction will be used to fund an AmeriCorps member to help provide environmental education in Central Kentucky.
“The rain barrel reception will be a showcase for some truly beautiful and functional art,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “The artists who participated in this year’s program are exceptionally talented and PRIDE is grateful that they shared their talent with us to promote improved water quality in Central Kentucky.”
Rain barrels connect to a structure’s downspouts, decreasing the amount of stormwater that runs off a property, preventing pollutants such as pet waste, automotive fluids and fertilizer from entering streams and waterways. Rain barrels also provide water that can be used for gardens and lawns throughout the year.
Bluegrass PRIDE launched its rain barrel program in 2004 to promote these benefits and draw attention to the need for personal stormwater management and improved water quality. The organization sells undecorated rain barrels year round at $100 for a 55-gallon barrel and $115 for a 60-gallon barrel.
Bluegrass PRIDE is a 501(c)3 organization devoted to providing environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens throughout 18 counties in Central Kentucky. For more information, please visit www.bgPRIDE.org.
