When Howard Rambin III went on a rampage against litter 40 years ago, he never imagined that his efforts would result in a significant city organization, Keep Houston Beautiful, that would become a licensed affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.
Co-founder of Moody Rambin Interests, the real estate broker was honored with the Mayor's Outstanding Partner Award for those efforts at the 30th annual Mayor's Proud Partners luncheon held at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
In presenting the award, Mayor Annise Parker noted, "Howard Rambin has contributed to the quality of life and work valued by local businesses, international corporations, residents and visitors. Howard has contributed not just an hour or a day for us but most of his life."
Rambin is credited with establishing pilot programs for the construction industry that resulted in cleaner and safer construction sites and is founder of the organization that eventually became Keep Houston Beautiful. In fact, early on Houston Post columnist Lynn Ashby dubbed Rambin "the Litter Day Saint."
Also receiving honors were New Hope Housing tagged with the Founders Award, CenterPoint Energy receiving the chairman's award, Hal Opperman recipient of the Keep Kingwood Beautiful Proud Partner Award, Ben White receiving the Fifth Ward Civic Club Proud Partner Award and Texans for Clean Water represented by Mike Garver receiving an individual Distinguished Service Award.
More than 500 guests attended and helped raise $140,000 for the luncheon emceed by Jose Grinan of Fox 26.
In the mix were Karen Rambin, Leven Rambin, Joe Rambin, Cynthia Fowler, Jill and Kenneth Mercado, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Miranda and Jason Maldonado, Stephanie Christison Marx and Frank Marx, Joyce and Don Fitch and Betty and Harry Jukes.
Jim Tates, from left, J. Howard Rambin III and Mayor Annise Parker.
