Andrea Fazzino and Paul Fazzino
Photo By Pola Griffin
Taking on the daunting task of cleaning up beaches, parks, city streets and waterways is no small feat, but Beach Keepers Inc. has tackled it with passion and determination since 2017.
Driven by its slogan, “Beach Litter Matters,” Beach Keepers Inc. is committed to preserving the pristine condition of South Florida beaches by eliminating litter and removing debris that threatens the region’s natural resources.
“We saw an opportunity to engage the community [from Martin County to Miami-Dade County] to help us keep our communities pristine and free of pollution,” says Co-Founder and President Andrea S. Fazzino, 56. He and his brother, Co-Founder/CFO/Vice President Paul J. Fazzino, 57, founded Beach Keepers Inc. to protect Florida’s ecosystems — including its wildlife, marine life and flora — and instill a spirit of preservation in the public while bolstering the state’s tourism industry.
With the help of more than 1,000 volunteers of all ages — mostly college students from Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University and Palm Beach State College — the Fazzinos, who live in Boynton Beach, use social media and local outreach to promote their Delray Beach nonprofit.
“People see us out there working; I have QR codes on our buckets,” Andrea says. “Paul and I work seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., but don’t allow our people to work after 6 p.m.”
Volunteers are encouraged to choose cleanup locations near their homes or workplaces, helping the brothers broaden their reach.
“We work with the city to clean up before [green space] maintenance projects and art shows in Old School Square, for example,” Andrea explains. “We do it with a generous spirit.”
The brothers’ background in the restaurant business in their home state of Connecticut motivated them to open their own deli this year. Delirays, located on Fifth Avenue in the same building as their organization, serves as both a business and a way to give back.
“We want to put 10% of what we make at the deli back into Beach Keepers and offer customers the option of donating their change to the nonprofit,” Andrea adds.
For more information or to support Beach Keepers Inc., call 561-373-5937 or 561-281-9593 or visit beachkeepersinc.org.