Smart Coast founded this award to acknowledge businesses and individuals who stuck their necks out to take a critical stand or make decisions that are beyond the norm and outside the box to create a more sustainable business or community and ultimately a sustainable coastal region.

Smart Coast has chosen the Giraffe for the symbol of its award because of its characteristics ... obviously the long neck which is the bridge between the head and the body allowing it to reach the top, its keen eyesight which allows it to see what lies on the horizon. The Giraffe also has long thin legs which move it forward. But the Giraffe is also the metaphor for having your legs on the ground while your head is in the sky. These special characteristics show forth in the activities that our recipients performed as they took their stands or moved their community forward.

The Eastern Shore Art Center Youth Art Class worked with a well known puppet artist to create a wonderful giraffe neck and head. The kids worked hard to make Giselle a true symbol of forward thinking and action.

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Teko Wiseman is shown receiving the fifth Giraffe Award from Smart Coast Directors

For her tenacious efforts to get Trails on the ground in Baldwin County. For her tireless efforts to “Keep Mobile Beautiful” Smart Coast presented their Giraffe Award to Teko Wiseman for “sticking her neck out” forThe region in which she lives.

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Dr. George Crozier- First recipient of Giraffe Award ... George spoke out after Katrina in 2005 in opposition to the redevelopment of the west end of Dauphin Island. He stated publically that as a barrier island Dauphin Island plays a special role in protecting the mainland and the west end of the island will continue to flood and change. For speaking out and taking a tough stance, Smart Coast awarded Dr. Crozier its first Giraffe Award

Ron Gibson - Second recipient of Giraffe Award ... Ron took a stand against raising the height of buildings on the Causeway to 70 feet. The City of Spanish Fort was considering this height change and Ron, who was a part time engineer for the city, spoke out and won his case. For taking a tough stand, Smart Coast awarded Ron its second Giraffe Award.

Linda St John and Sissy Hungerford, the Ladies of the Village of Spring Hill - Third recipient of Giraffe Award ... Linda and Sissy were tireless in working with their community to plan and implement a smart growth district in Spring Hill. They were able to hire a professional planning firm and hold many community meetings to put a strong plan in place which would make their section of Mobile more liveable and walkable. For taking a leadership role in the redevelopment of their community, Smart Coast awarded Linda and Sissy its third Giraffe Award.