Man helping to clean up Detroit, one neighborhood at a time

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Mark Covington of Detroit received quite a celebration today from a group of his friends, family and volunteers - and the Energizer Bunny.

The event kicked off Mark's campaign as a top 10 Finalist in the 2011 Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, a program celebrating the positive impact everyday people make in their communities.

Mark will receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of his choice, and he will be campaigning for a lot more - a spot next to Cal Ripken, Jr. in the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, a $10,000 cash prize and an additional $5,000 donation to his favorite charity.

After losing his job, Mark Covington didn't let unemployment slow him down. Instead, he used his unstoppable energy to help rebuild his struggling neighborhood, one block at a time. Mark is the founder and president of Georgia Street Community Collective (GSCC), a charitable organization serving the east side of the City of Detroit. He began cleaning up vacant lots and planting gardens, using the food he grew to feed the disadvantaged people of his neighborhood. Given the success of the project, Mark was inspired to add an educational component, using the garden as a way to mentor students to make an impact on the future of his community as well.

Mark needs Detroit’s votes to earn a place in the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame. To vote for Mark, click here:

www.energizer.com/halloffame

You may vote once per day until May 13th. The Finalist who receives the most votes will be named the 2011 Inductee into the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame.