Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh and the Town Council announced last week that the Fountain Hills Youth Theatre (FHYT) is the 2016 Republic Rewards grant recipient.

The FHYT was selected by Fountain Hills’ citizens who participate in the Republic Rewards Recycling Program.

The FHYT will use the $10,000 grant to fund Fountain Hills Youth Theater (FHYT) programs and develop community-wide support of these programs. The FHYT provides a supportive educational environment for youth to learn the skills necessary for live theater.

Along with learning the art of theater come critical benefits, especially for youth today, of character development through the fostering of self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.

The grant was made possible by Republic Services through Republic Rewards, a novel recycling program launched in 2013 between the town, businesses and residents.

Program participants earn points for joining, and every recycling pick up, plus bonus points for activities and reporting on republicgivesback.com. Participants also earn instant access to rewards, discounted offers, as well as premium rewards that can be redeemed with both local and national businesses.

Additionally, participants can use their points to vote for civic improvement projects benefiting Fountain Hills’ residents and visitors alike. The Civic and Cultural Association, plus the Fountain Hills Community Theater, Four-Peaks Rotary Club and the River of Time Museum submitted proposals for community projects and were selected by the Town Council as eligible grant recipients for 2016.

Voting took place January through early November. Currently, almost 1,600 Fountain Hills residents participate in the program.

“This program gives residents an easy way to get involved with community improvement projects and make a difference through recycling,” Kavanagh said. “We’re thrilled that so many of our residents took part in this year’s grant program, and are looking forward to the benefits it will bring our community going forward.”

Republic Services will make community grants available for Fountain Hills community improvement projects annually through Republic Rewards. Participation in the program is free. Residents can sign up at republicgivesback.com and begin earning points immediately.

Republic Services, Inc. is the residential non-hazardous solid waste and recycling provider for Fountain Hills.

For more information, visit the Republic website at republicservices.com.