Parish Beautification Day

Mother Teresa Parish has no shortage of workers to toil in our azalea "vineyards." Last weekend, they planted 250 azaleas, adding to the 300 planted last year. 

We could not have done this without the dedication of the many laborers who did not let a cold, damp morning keep them from the fields.

Thanks to, first of all, our chief steward, Pat McEvoy, who coordinated this project and rallied the volunteers; the many people doing the back-breaking work digging holes, including the Scout Troop #212; the transportation crew, for making the trip to Garner, loading, and unloading; those arranging supplies and picking up soils and pine straws, and; the support and cheering crew, for bringing in the goodies and water bottles. 

Each fall since 1985, WRAL-TV 5, MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, and NC Beautiful sponsor the WRAL Azalea Celebration and give away more than 5,000 azaleas non-profits from all over the state. Mother Teresa Parish received 300 azaleas in 2023. The giveaway strives to "establish a continuous, well-maintained project for their community to enjoy and emulate."

Each non-profit is eligible for the A.J. Fletcher Award three years after being awarded azaleas. Named for the founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company and creator of the WRAL Gardens, the A.J. Fletcher Awards honor organizations who have best maintained their landscaping projects created with their WRAL azaleas.

Photo album