The Bolsa Chica Conservancy recognized Simple Green's Bruce FaBrizio and his generous philanthropy with the Conservator of the Year Award at its annual Pacific Coast Dreamin' Barefoot Ball on Saturday, June 9, 2018. The event supported the Bolsa Chica Conservancy's STEM-based science education programs, updates to its current interpretive center, and its efforts toward establishing the Conservancy's Center for Coastal Ecology.

"When we engage our young people in hands-on, STEM-based educational experiences and support environmental stewardship with our neighbors at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, we see a strong sense of community pride, engaged young people and enthusiasm among families," said Bruce FaBrizio, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Sunshine Makers, manufacturer of Simple Green cleaning solutions. "Supporting students through this integrated approach expands community awareness, encourages kids to be proud stewards, enhances the use of critical biological resources for research and grows future scientists in our community."

Each year, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy presents the Conservator of the Year Award to an individual, business, or organization that promotes conservation through innovative ideas, scientific discovery, conservation projects, education, technological improvements or sponsorship of any of the above.

Mr. FaBrizio's safe and effective cleaning product line contains formulas certified by the U.S. EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal and USDA Biobased programs, is listed in the EPA National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and carries NSF registrations. Mr. FaBrizio has established the EGBAR Foundation, a charitable organization focused on impacting positive environmental change at the community level and, alongside his wife, Viviana Soldano FaBrizio, co-founded Amore for Dogs, a non-profit foundation that supports dog rescue and rehabilitation efforts worldwide. His philanthropic efforts also include support of the Gary Sinise Founation's RISE program, National Park Service, Clean Up the World, L.A. Conservation Corps, the SEA Lab, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish, and school and community clean up groups nationwide.

"We're pleased to award Bruce FaBrizio with the Conservator of the Year Award for his positive impact on coastal conservation efforts," announced Ed Mountford, Chairman of the Bolsa Chica Conservancy's Board of Directors. "Bruce's company has brought safe, reliable products into our homes and his generous philanthropy has supported hands-on science programs in the community by encouraging young people to continue discovering and protecting the wetlands with the Bolsa Chica Conservancy."

The Windows to Our Wetlands (WOW) program, funded by the EGBAR Foundation, is a traveling education program that reaches classrooms of students typically unable to venture beyond campus to see native coastal habitats up-close and personal. WOW offers hands-on, science-based learning stations and activities that make science fun, interactive and memorable. In over 28 years, the Conservancy has served close to 600,000 students, volunteers, visitors and community members from over 48 countries and 42 states through its STEM-based education and public awareness programs.

"The Conservator of the Year Award is a great opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders who reach beyond themselves to support conservation work in protecting our wildlife, water resources and wetlands," said Grace Adams, Bolsa Chica Conservancy Executive Director.