Banding together around a worthy cause, successful grassroots fundraising events are built on passionate leadership, strong community involvement, and the financial and in-kind support that turns a good idea into something fun and exciting.

The Gardner brothers – twins Den and Dan – check all these boxes with their annual Band Blitz fundraiser supporting Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program.

The Band Blitz, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026, rotates to different locations around their home base of New Prague, Minnesota, on the outskirts of the Twin Cities.

Den and Dan are no strangers to the green industry or to community service. Den, a long-time trade media professional serving the green industry, founded the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) before becoming the executive director and a founding member of Project EverGreen. Inspired by a suggestion from industry colleague Phil Fogarty of Weed Man in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, Project EverGreen launched the GreenCare for Troops program around 2006.

Dan brought his own community experience to the table, having served on multiple park boards in Minnesota, including participating in a Project EverGreen park improvement project in Belle Plaine. For years, he also attended TOCA meetings and assisted Den with various initiatives.

When Den eventually retired from Project EverGreen, his desire to support the program he helped create never faded.

“We got together and thought it might be fun to do a Minnesota-based fundraiser for the program,” Den recalls.

It didn’t take long to realize they could combine that idea with their other shared passion – music.

“In the beginning, we talked about bringing a handful of bands together, charging admission, and making some money for GreenCare for Troops,” says Den. Both lifelong musicians, Den and Dan play in a local group called Little Chicago, known for its horn-based rock and pop music from the 1960s and 1970s.

What started as a simple concept evolved into a community-based event that raises funds, promotes the GreenCare for Troops mission, and unites residents around a meaningful cause.

“We’ve kind of written the book on how to make Band Blitz a successful program that ensures we can write a meaningful check to GreenCare for Troops when it’s all finished,” says Den.

Success translates into annual contributions averaging $12,000 to $15,000 along with invaluable awareness of the program and the needs of military families.

Inside the Blitz

While Band Blitz evolves each year, several core elements keep it successful. A long-standing supporter is Toro, which donates equipment including mowers and snow throwers for use in the silent auction.

The Gardners also secure donations from local businesses.

“When you tell people this program supports military families with landscape and lawn care services, they’re almost automatic in their support,” says Dan. “They’ll ask what we need maybe a gift certificate or a few free oil changes, and they’re happy to help.”

Although they have used indoor venues, the event thrives with an outdoor, street-festival feel. In 2025, CorTrust Bank served as the sole sponsor and hosted the event in the parking lot of its Delano location.

“We took advantage of people being out on Thursday nights after work and scheduled it from 5 to 8 p.m.,” says Den. “We had food trucks, the silent auction, and three hours of live music everyone had a blast.”

Throughout the evening, the program remains center stage.

“We always include a local landscaper who volunteers with GreenCare for Troops and, when possible, a military family who has been helped,” says Den. “Localizing it makes a big impact in a small town.”

Another cherished tradition began unexpectedly.

“We met Gary and Peg Janisch the first year by accident,” Den explains. “They played in one of the bands, and we struck up a conversation. Since then, they’ve been great supporters and join us onstage every year.”

Memorable moments also come from the community. Dan recalls an older woman who approached the silent auction table last year.

“Her husband had recently passed. She said she didn’t want to bid on anything she just wanted to donate. Then she handed us a $500 check. It was really moving.”

Planning hasn’t officially begun for the 10th Band Blitz, but Den and Dan remain committed to keeping the event focused on military families and rooted in community.

“We all understand the importance of healthy green spaces,” says Den. “GreenCare for Troops ensures that military families managing the home front still have a well-maintained yard so they can focus on everything else going on in their lives. That’s a real benefit.”

He adds, “We all have friends and family who have served, so we understand the sacrifice involved. Band Blitz is our way of giving back helping our community appreciate the role volunteer landscapers play, supporting GreenCare for Troops financially, and having a great time doing it.”

Why Green Spaces Matter for Military Families

For military families, green spaces are far more than just grass and trees. They represent comfort, stability, and a vital sense of home during times of uncertainty. With frequent moves, long deployments, and ever-changing routines, these families often face challenges that few others experience. A well-maintained yard, a local park, or a vibrant community landscape can offer a much-needed place to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Green spaces provide emotional and physical relief, especially for children and spouses navigating life while a loved one serves. They become safe, welcoming environments where families can gather, play, and simply enjoy a moment of peace.

But the benefits of green spaces extend beyond emotional wellness. These areas help cool urban environments, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and promote community resilience. In short, healthy landscapes help build healthier neighborhoods.

Through GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen, along with our dedicated nationwide network of professional volunteers, ensures that military families have access to these essential outdoor spaces. By providing free lawn and landscape care, we not only enhance the environment, but we also offer families a tangible reminder that their service and sacrifice are recognized and supported.

Because when we invest in green spaces, we invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a better quality of life for those who protect our country.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

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Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.