Leesburg, VA (May 13, 2026) – Mayor Kelly Burk and members of the Leesburg Town Council recognized this year’s Golden Grabber award winners at the May 12 Town Council meeting. 

The Golden Grabber award recognizes individuals or groups that collected the most amount of waste by weight during the annual monthlong Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign in April. This year, awards were given out in three categories: Staff Group, Small Group, and Large Group.

The Public Works administrative staff took home the Staff Group Golden Grabber award, collecting a total of 277 lbs. of waste.

Leesburg resident Mark Newton won the Small Group Golden Grabber award, collecting 80 lbs. of waste by himself.

The Potomac Crossing homeowners association won the Large Group Golden Grabber award with a total collection of 180 lbs.

Refuse collected by volunteers during the 2026  Keep Leesburg Beautiful event totaled 1,725 lbs., an increase of 230 lbs. from the 2025 campaign. A total of 261 volunteers registered to participate in Keep Leesburg Beautiful, including 51 who participated on the April 11 kick-off day.

“I am thrilled with the success of this year’s Keep Leesburg Beautiful campaign,” stated Burk. “The dedication of our Town residents, businesses, and our devoted staff to beautify Leesburg is further demonstration of what a special place Leesburg is. I encourage anyone who hasn’t participated previously to join us in 2027.”

Pictured: Mayor Kelly Burk (left) presents a Golden Grabber award to Public Relations Coordinator Abbie Valle, representing the Public Works administrative staff, as Sustainability Manager Deb Moran looks on.

Media Contact:
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov
703-669-1425