Band Blitz Raises Awareness, Money for GreenCare for Troops

Music and laughter filled the air throughout the beautiful September evening as hundreds of people attended the first Band Blitz fundraiser in support of GreenCare for Troops, a nationwide program providing free lawn and landscape services to eligible military families.

Throughout the evening, three local bands took the stage to entertain and share the message of GCFT. Military families with a deployed service member, and post-9/11 veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to receive basic lawn and landscape services from program volunteers.

The first Band Blitz to benefit GreenCare for Troops hit all the right notes with attendees.

More than $10,000 was raised through tickets sales, food and beverage and raffle ticket sales for chances to win Toro power equipment to help grow the program to help more military families in need. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Delano American Legion.

State Rep. Joe McDonald read a proclamation from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton announcing GreenCare for Troops/Delano American Legion Post 377 Day; and Congressman Tom Emmer warmly greeted the crowd.

Local GCFT volunteers William Krammer of Lake Elmo, MN; and Spencer Werness of Burnsville, MN, were recognized by the crowd. Werness’ son serves in the Army National Guard.

Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code with GCFT volunteer Spencer Werness.

“Thriving lawns, trees and plants go beyond the aesthetics; they are an integral part of the social fabric of a community, and provide a safe yard for kids to play and a serene environment for military families to de-stress,” says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Managed yards are also instrumental in helping wounded veterans rehab and re-connect with their families.”

The three bands playing during the event were: The Delano Six, Little Chicago and Delano River Band. Little Chicago is managed by Delano natives Den and Dan Gardner. Den Gardner was instrumental in the launch of GCFT in 2006.

GreenCare for Troops volunteer William Krammer enjoys the Band Blitz with PE’s Cindy Code.

The fundraiser was supported by: The Toro Co., State Bank of Delano, GIE Media, Weed Man USA, Bridge House Coffee & Café, Jack Tackaberry, Calbrandt Inc., Lupine Brewing Co., Gardner & Gardner Communications, Bonde Bistro, Delano Herald Journal, Coborn’s, HJ Development, Randy’s Environmental Services, American Family Insurance.