Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced a one-year partnership with The Ecology Center, a San Juan Capistrano, Calif.-based non-profit eco-education center dedicated to creating a healthy and abundant future for all of Southern California. As a "Visionary" partner, Kia and The Ecology Center will organize and carry out sustainability-themed learning projects at the KMA campus in Irvine, Calif., and in the surrounding community, and both organizations will work together to plan hands-on conservation and volunteer activities at the Center, with KMA team members providing the manpower to execute each project. The partnership kicked off on Saturday, Sept. 7 at The Ecology Center's annual "Green Feast," which this year welcomed more than two-hundred people for a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table dining experience that raises awareness about local sustainably farmed food. Kia was the headlining sponsor at the annual event that raises funds to support eco-educational programs throughout the community.

"Kia understands that a conscious dedication to sustainability is crucial for not only the continued success of our organization, but also the health and happiness of our customers and the communities we call home," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Since its founding, The Ecology Center has grown to be a widely recognized leader for conservation and environmental awareness, and as the Center continues to expand its reach, it is the perfect partner with which Kia can pursue its vision for a greener future."

"With its ongoing efforts to make the vehicle-production process more eco-friendly, Kia has a reputation for being an environmentally minded company," said Evan Marks, executive director, The Ecology Center. "Our partnership with Kia means we can catalyze that same thinking on an even broader scope within Kia's community and better spread the message of sustainability to even more individuals and families in southern California and beyond."