On 18 September, 1999, Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) celebrated the 14th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day in conjunction with the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC). International Coastal Cleanup Day is the world's largest volunteer effort on behalf of the aquatic environment. Each year, more than 500,000 volunteers worldwide lend a hand in cleaning our beaches, inland shores and underwater sites. "Project AWARE Foundation helps the CMC raise awareness of the aquatic environment by providing sponsorship, marketing support and cleanup packages to PADI Dive Centers, Resorts and Recreational Facilities worldwide," says Kristin Valette, Manager, Project AWARE Foundation. "The Foundation also coordinates the exciting underwater aspect of International Coastal Cleanup Day. This year, an astounding 900 underwater cleanups took place around the world simultaneously. We can't wait to hear the results from all of these events - they will likely produce another record-breaking number of participants." At the local Project AWARE cleanup alone, more than 325 volunteers worked hard to collect 4,450 pounds of trash from Doheny State Beach and around Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point, California, USA. This local cleanup captured the attention of a television news crew, two newspapers and the Mayor of our local city, Dana Point, who joined the rest of the volunteers to clean up the beach. Complimentary refreshments and goodie bags, filled with coupons for Brita Water Filtration Pitchers and other local businesses and services, were provided to all volunteers in addition to a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes like free sailing lessons, tickets to Legoland, two nights at a Double Tree Resort and more. International Coast Cleanup Day takes place annually on the third Saturday of each September. Interested volunteers, visit the Project AWARE Foundation website.