Verde!

Atlanta Falcon's fullback Ovie Mughelli honored at 2011 Verde

Generation Green, a program of the Georgia Conservancy, honored Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl fullback Ovie Mughelli on June 9 with the 2011 Longleaf award, which honors an emerging environmental leader.

Check out photos from the event>>

Mughelli, who has also been recognized as the No. 2 eco-athlete in the world by PlanetGreen.com, founded the Ovie Mughelli Foundation, which is dedicated to educating young people about environmental issues. The foundation offers a range of programs, from environmental-themed football camps to “green” workshops in local schools.

“Generation Green is focused on bringing together the next generation of environmental leaders, which is the foundation for this award,” says Sarah Dearman, Generation Green’s board president. “Ovie truly embodies this characteristic as he uses his fame to educate children and their parents about our environment.”

Verde! supports the Georgia Conservancy’s efforts to protect and promote stewardship of Georgia’s environment. Past recipients of The Longleaf include Mandy Schmitt Mahoney, former director of sustainability for the City of Atlanta and current marketing director for SEEA, and Korri Ellis, an environmental educator at Grady High School.

“Verde! is an upscale event geared toward bringing together socially and eco-conscious Atlantans,” says Jessica Lee Reece, event chair and an environmental & sustainability attorney for Smith, Gambrell & Russell in Atlanta. "This year we partnered with Jennifer Schwartz Gallery so we can bring together different communities and cultures—from art to music to sports—all to benefit the work of the Conservancy.”

The 2011 Verde was made possible with support from:

Jennifer Schwartz Gallery

V103

Villa Maria Estate

Snoqualmie Vineyards

Len Foote Hike Inn

We hope to see you next year!