Banding Together: How the Gardner Brothers Turn Music into Support for Military Families

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.

The 2025 Band Blitz for the military brought friends, partners, and music lovers together for a powerful night of support raising $16,000 for GreenCare for Troops.

“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!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.

ShoreCut Lawn Service Turns Military Discipline into Community Service

ShoreCut Lawn Service in Goose Creek, South Carolina, is making a big impact in its first year as a GreenCare for Troops volunteer. Owner Dylan May and his team provide landscape maintenance for five military families part of their growing roster of more than 170 biweekly clients, most of them residential.

“I wanted to do a community volunteer program in the green industry, and that’s literally what I searched for online,” says May. “I came across GreenCare for Troops, reached out to Ki Matsko, the program director, and she connected me with the families.”

With several military bases nearby, May saw an ideal opportunity to serve those who serve.

“Whatever we can do to make home life easier for these soldiers, we’re ready to lend a hand,” he says. “Right now, all the families we help have husbands deployed overseas, so we feel like we’re stepping in to help out with dad’s work.”

May’s connection to the program runs deep. He worked in landscaping through high school and early college before joining the U.S. Marine Corps as a corrections officer. When the pandemic paused normal operations, he returned to landscaping and rediscovered a passion that would shape his next career.

In August 2023, he launched ShoreCut Lawn Service and hasn’t looked back. He credits his success to hard work and the discipline instilled by his time in the Marines.

“It was an easy transition coming out of the military,” he says. “I tell people all the time that I literally took what I learned in the Marine Corps and apply it every day to my business.”

Along with the GreenCare for Troops families, May also assists a local Vietnam veteran.

“We have great conversations, and he thanks me a hundred times for helping him out,” says May. “It’s really rewarding to be able to give back.”

That appreciation runs both ways. One family even sets out snacks and drinks for May and his ShoreCut Lawn Service crew when they arrive.

“It’s great when people go out of their way to show their gratitude,” he says. “It reminds us why we do what we do.”

Why Green Spaces Matter for Military Families

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!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.

Landmark Landscapes Extends Its Green Touch to Military Families in Need

Landmark Landscapes, a full-service maintenance and design-build firm based in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, is using its expertise to make a difference beyond the properties it maintains.

With a team of 70 dedicated employees, the company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across three southeastern Wisconsin counties. And for the past four years, has extended that same level of care to military families through Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops initiatives.

“As a company, we are proud to be providing a service to these military families,” says Patrick Hughes, sales and marketing manager for Landmark Landscapes. “It’s a small gesture compared to the sacrifices they make, but one that can help ease their burden while a loved one is deployed.”

It took some time before the first call from a military family came through, but late last summer, Landmark got its opportunity. The husband was preparing for a year-long deployment, and his wife and children would need help maintaining their property through all four seasons.

Coordinating the service was simple. The residence was added to Landmark’s regular client schedule, and whichever crew was assigned that day handled the work.

“They’ve been a joy to work with,” says Hughes. “We handled the snow and ice last winter and took care of the turf and garden maintenance this year. His deployment ended recently, but we decided to extend our service through the end of the season to help them out.”

Hughes says Landmark Landscapes plans to continue supporting military families through the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops program. “I know it’s a tremendous weight on a family to lose a member to military deployment,” he adds. “So doing something like this – providing landscape care and snow removal – it’s really the least we can do to ease their burden.”

The Business Value of Giving Back

Beyond the feel-good factor, volunteering through programs like GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops offers measurable benefits for lawn and landscape companies.

Participating in community service initiatives, like Landmark Landscapes does, helps build stronger team culture, reinforces company values, and provides employees with a sense of pride and purpose in their work. Clients and communities notice, too. Companies that give back often find their efforts strengthen customer loyalty, enhance local brand reputation, and open doors to new business opportunities.

“It’s easy to focus on the day-to-day grind, production schedules, equipment, clients,” says Hughes. “But this program reminds us why we do what we do. Our work creates comfort, beauty, and peace of mind for people. And that’s especially meaningful when you can do it for a family that’s making sacrifices for our country.”

Why Green Spaces Matter for Military Families

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!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.

Heritage Landscape Supply Group and Project EverGreen: A Shared Vision

Heritage Landscape Supply Group’s Chief Operating Officer Chris McMurrough is a Project EverGreen Board Member. Heritage is a Platinum Partner of the GreenCare for Troops initiative.

When you drive through a beautiful neighborhood, you see more than attractive landscaping you see something powerful. You see communities where life happens. Families gather, children play safely, and neighbors connect.

That’s why Heritage Landscape Supply Group proudly supports Project EverGreen and its mission to preserve and enhance the green spaces that strengthen our communities.

Shared Values, Shared Mission

Project EverGreen’s commitment to promoting healthy green spaces aligns perfectly with what Heritage sees every day. The lawn and landscape professionals they serve are doing more than installing irrigation systems or maintaining lawns, they are creating the spaces where life unfolds.

Heritage Landscape Supply Group’s Heritage Cares ELEVATE Charity Concerts, like this one in Louisville, drive engagement and support for Project EverGreen’s initiatives. Pictured are Heritage’s Chris McMurrough (left) and Project EverGreen’s Cindy Code.

Across the country, green spaces make a measurable difference. They boost property values, manage stormwater runoff, clean the air, and provide welcoming places for exercise, play, and connection. Supporting Project EverGreen means investing in the places where customers, employees, and neighbors live, work, and play.

GreenCare for Troops: Service to Those Who Served

GreenCare for Troops holds a special place in Heritage’s heart. Military families give up so much for our country and they deserve to come home to a yard they can take pride in. Heritage supports this program by donating products and working with volunteers to provide free services to these deserving families.

For veterans recovering from injuries, lawn care should be the last thing on their minds. For military spouses returning from deployment, a well-kept yard helps make a house feel like home, not another chore waiting to be tackled.

Heritage encourages every landscape company to consider participating in GreenCare for Troops. Giving back to families who have given so much not only strengthens community bonds – it also unites teams and reinforces why this industry matters beyond business.

Why Green Spaces Matter More Than Ever

In a world dominated by screens, green spaces provide a reason to get outside and connect. Children learn to ride bikes in parks. Neighbors stop to chat along walking trails. Families build memories under shady trees.

These spaces improve quality of life reducing stress, promoting activity, and increasing happiness. During challenging times, parks, gardens, and trails help communities stay connected and resilient.

The Ripple Effect of Industry Support

One powerful example came during a community park renovation, when local contractors volunteered to transform a neglected play area. Watching children go from playing on broken equipment to enjoying safe, beautiful playgrounds reminds everyone why this work matters.

Moments like these connect the industry to a bigger purpose. They show teams that their work is about more than projects, it’s about people, communities, and lasting impact.

Advice for Other Companies

To companies considering supporting Project EverGreen, Heritage poses this question: Can you afford not to get involved?

Start small. Volunteer for a GreenCare for Troops project, sponsor a local green space renovation, or help promote the benefits of professionally maintained landscapes. Every effort makes a visible difference and shows the community that green spaces truly matter.

Deep Roots, Shared Vision

If Heritage had to describe Project EverGreen in one word, it would be essential. Together, we champion an industry that creates and cares for the spaces where communities come together.

Landscape professionals do more than make things look beautiful, they create environments that improve lives. This partnership with Project EverGreen reflects a shared vision: communities with the outdoor spaces they deserve.

That’s a future worth building together.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.

Steven Cohen Volunteer Q&A

The mission of Project EverGreen has quite literally grown on Steven Cohen over his years of leadership and involvement. What began with volunteering to help military families through GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops has blossomed into active participation in multiple GreenCare for Communities projects in New York City. He has also become a passionate advocate for the expansion of green spaces in cities to improve human health and the environment.

Now, he is channeling that passion as a member of the Project EverGreen board of directors, working to strengthen the mission, recruit professional volunteers, and share the many benefits of healthy green spaces. He shared his perspective on his involvement in a recent interview:

Q: What initially inspired you to get involved with Project EverGreen?

My relationship with Project EverGreen began through BCLS Landscape Services, where we partnered with the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs. These initiatives allowed us to give back to our community by assisting enlisted families with landscape maintenance and snow removal while they served our country. The program created truly memorable experiences for our team, and that connection to Project EverGreen inspired me to get more involved.

Through my volunteer work, I’ve met dedicated board members, passionate volunteers, and community partners while gaining a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission. These experiences strengthened my belief in Project EverGreen’s impact and inspired me to serve at a higher level, leading me to pursue the opportunity to join the board.

Q: You’ve contributed your time and talents to multiple New York City GreenCare for Communities projects. What keeps you coming back?

What keeps me coming back is the projects themselves and the opportunity to truly give back. Each one makes a visible, lasting difference in the community, and that impact is deeply rewarding. Equally meaningful is the camaraderie. Working alongside others who share the same passion has turned teammates into friends, making every project both purposeful and personal.

The friendships, collaboration, and partnerships with the NYC Parks Department GreenThumb make this form of giving back especially rewarding. It’s more than just completing a project; it’s about building connections and creating a lasting positive impact together.

There’s also a personal connection to New York. As a kid, I remember driving through the boroughs and seeing burnt-out buildings and abandoned houses. Knowing that many of today’s gardens now sit on those same lots is incredibly impactful. It’s a transformation from neglect to life, bringing hope, beauty, and pride back to the community.

Q: Looking ahead to Project EverGreen’s 10^th NYC project this fall, what excites you most about reaching that milestone?

Simply put, it’s the honor of being part of this milestone. I’ve had the privilege of working on park projects in three boroughs, and leaving a mark in each one has been an incredible experience. Reaching the 10^th NYC project is not only a personal highlight, but also a testament to Project EverGreen’s commitment, consistency, and lasting impact in the city.

Q: How do you envision the continued growth of GreenCare for Communities, and what role do volunteers play in that future?

I see GreenCare for Communities continuing to grow through the stories and experiences we share—both the personal and professional benefits of being involved. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this program; without them, it simply wouldn’t happen. My goal is to keep sharing the positive outcomes, how these projects not only support the individuals and communities we serve but also provide volunteers with a deep sense of fulfillment and professional pride.

Q: What legacy do you hope these projects leave behind for the neighborhoods, for the volunteers, and for Project EverGreen?

The legacy is exactly what we leave behind. In just one day, we can transform a park into a cleaner, more accessible, and more beautiful space for the community to enjoy. That impact lives on long after the project is done. For me, it’s both a personal and professional legacy knowing we’ve created something that improves lives, fosters connection, and reflects the pride of everyone who contributed.

Q: As a board member and volunteer, how do you hope your involvement encourages others in the industry to step up and get involved?

As both a board member and volunteer, my mission is to actively share Project EverGreen’s mission, vision, and values, and show others how they can play a role. I see myself as an ambassador for the cause, using my platform in the industry to raise awareness, inspire action, and demonstrate the lasting impact we can make when we work together.

Q: Why is it important for landscape professionals and green industry partners to support these types of volunteer projects?

The purpose lies in both the individual and the collective effort of our industry. Landscape professionals are stewards of the environment, and the work we do naturally aligns with Project EverGreen’s core mission and values. Supporting these projects allows us to make a direct, visible impact while living out that stewardship.

Our industry has a strong tradition of giving back, not only through Project EverGreen but also through events like the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Day of Service in Washington, D.C. where we come together to serve, honor, and make a difference.

Q: What would you say to someone who’s considering volunteering with Project EverGreen but hasn’t taken that first step?

Take the first step, you won’t truly understand how rewarding it feels until you get involved. Last year, I invited several friends to join a park project. I watched them not only work hard but also connect with others in meaningful ways. Now, every one of them is involved with Project EverGreen in some capacity, and they’ll all be joining this year’s project in Queens. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up once to become part of something bigger.

Q: How can board members and volunteers amplify the mission of Project EverGreen – particularly the environmental mission – to businesses, consumers, and government at all levels?

As board members, we are fiduciaries who guide the organization toward a sustainable future, both environmentally and organizationally. This means adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance while ensuring adequate resources to advance our mission. Each board member can do this by leveraging their networks and influence.

Board members and volunteers can amplify Project EverGreen’s environmental message by showing businesses, consumers, and government leaders the tangible benefits of greener, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

Q: How does the Clean Air Calculator support the overall mission of Project EverGreen?

The Clean Air Calculator is a game changer for our industry. It helps quantify and communicate one of the core benefits of green spaces – improved air quality. For landscapers, landscape architects, and homeowners, being able to measure the environmental impact of a green space is powerful.

This tool is useful when designing or renovating landscapes, helping us show how these improvements contribute to cleaner air and healthier communities. While there is always room for refinement, one thing is certain: the Calculator strengthens the case for green space investment. By turning environmental benefits into tangible, data-backed numbers, it gives communities, policymakers, and sponsors a clear reason to support green projects.

Q: Finally, how do you see your work with GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities contributing to Project EverGreen’s overall mission?

The answer is simple. These initiatives directly align with Project EverGreen’s core mission creating a greener, cooler Earth, inspired by healthier and happier people.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.