21st Annual Community Trash-Off to Honor the late Michael Hoke

Published 11:58 am Monday, February 1, 2016

This year’s event is dedicated to honoring the life, achievements, and
community engagement of Shangri La’s first Managing Director
ORANGE — On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, Michael Hoke, Shangri La’s first Managing Director and founder of Community Trash-Off, passed away unexpectedly. The Orange community and region lost a science hero and superstar who touched the lives of countless students during his years as a science teacher, educator, and mentor.

As a result, it seems only fitting to honor Mr. Hoke’s life and legacy of community caring. Therefore, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is dedicating the 21st Annual Community Trash-Off to Michael Hoke to celebrate his passionate commitment to his community as a concerned citizen and role model.
What can one do to honor Michael Hoke for the 21st Annual Community Trash-Off? Environmental Education Coordinator at Shangri La and longtime friend of Michael Hoke, Noelle Jordan, responds, “I think Mr. Hoke would tell us all to get involved in any way that we can – come out and help us clean up that morning. If that’s not possible, then donate a prize or supplies for the folks who will be cleaning up. I think he would say ‘Come out to help! It’s just the right thing to do!’ “
Shangri La Director, Rick Lewandowski, goes on to say, “The best way we can honor Mr. Hoke is do all we can to be good stewards of each other and our world. The 21st Annual Community Trash-Off is a great place to start on both.”

Community Trash-Off Details
The 21st Annual Community Trash-Off is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the City of Orange Boat Ramp, located on Simmons Drive in Orange, Texas. This year’s Community Trash-Off is presented by INVISTA and hosted by Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in collaboration with the City of Orange.

Orange County residents are encouraged to take pride in the community and help clean up trash from area neighborhoods and waterways. As Orange prepares for national recognition associated with the 2016 Redfish Tournament on the Sabine River, scheduled for April 2016, Trash-Off provides an opportunity for residents to showcase their pride in Orange by working together to better the community.
Participating teams and individuals will have the opportunity to win prizes and enjoy a free pizza lunch after the event. Teams are limited to 3-5 members. To register a team, visitshangrilagardens.org to download registration and waiver forms. For more information, contact Gabrielle Flud at gflud@shangrilagardens.org or at 409.670.0803.