Leaders from the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, City of Las Vegas, and Cox, gathered on April 4 to recognize Cox’s recent donation to the Mayor’s Fund to support the city’s “Going Green for Good Health” initiative to plant more than 60,000 trees by 2050 in areas of the city most impacted by the urban heat island effect. The $10,000 donation from Cox Communications also marks the company’s 25 years in Southern Nevada.
The donation underwrites the purchase of 25 park-ready trees of which 15 were planted today near Cox headquarters at Clarence Ray Memorial Park, 951 N. Tonopah Drive, with help from City of Las Vegas urban forester, Bradley Daseler, who was joined by Cox employee volunteers. The remaining 10 trees will be planted at Children’s Memorial Park, 6601 W. Gowan Road, later this month.
The initiative, “Going Green for Good Health,” seeks donations from the private sector to The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE to source and plant trees – both nursery seedlings as well as more mature trees – with the goal of creating more equitable tree canopies across the City.
“I want to thank Cox for its generous donation and continued partnership with the Mayor’s Fund and the city of Las Vegas,” Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman said. “Las Vegas is a beautiful place, and we want to make sure we are sustaining our city for current and future generations. Planting new trees is a key part of our strategy in the 2050 Master Plan.”
“On behalf of the Ward 5 constituents who I represent, I express my gratitude to Cox for its gift which brings more trees to this area of the city,” said Cedric Crear, Ward 5 Las Vegas City Councilman. “Trees not only create cooler temperatures, they improve overall quality of life by enhancing neighborhood aesthetics with added green space; they offer a calming effect on mood; and they build community pride – significant benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.”
According to Sallie Doebler, President and CEO of the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, tree coverage is one of the best solutions to fight heat, especially in neighborhoods that are predominately blanketed with pavement, have older buildings, and lack tree canopy coverage. “In addition to the cooling effect of trees created through evapotranspiration, trees also provide shade, yet another important cooling benefit,” she said. “We commend Cox for marking its 25 years of service to Las Vegas in such a meaningful way with this donation.”
“Our company’s social impact initiatives are focused on helping 34 million people live more prosperous lives by 2034 and this includes significant commitments to environmental and sustainability causes,” said Cox Vice President and Las Vegas Market Leader Janet Uthman. “These 25 trees are a symbol of our deep roots in Las Vegas and of our commitment to continuing to grow and support the communities we serve.”
About The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE:
The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE was established in 2017 as a vehicle for corporate and philanthropic partners to support innovative programs that improve quality of life for all Las Vegas residents with a special focus on vulnerable populations. The Fund creates opportunities for public-private partnerships via donations of cash, time and in-kind goods and services. Guided by a diverse group of community leaders, The Fund targets specific community needs with a goal of making Las Vegas a national leader in four areas: Livability, Innovation, Future and Education. The Mayor’s Fund is a public charity under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund works with Nevada Community Foundation which serves as The Mayor’s Fund fiscal agent. Donations to The Mayor’s Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For information, visit MayorsFundLV.org.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced managed IT and cloud services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.