Fundraisers Support the Project EverGreen Mission

The mission to create a greener, healthier, cooler Earth received a boost due to a pair of recent fundraisers that raised $28,000 to further ongoing efforts.

The inaugural Project EverGreen Golf Classic teed off on August 29 in Cary, North Carolina attracting more than 50 golfers and 30 sponsors. That was followed by Band Blitz VI on September 10 in Buffalo, Minnesota when more that 125 guests came out for an evening of good music, food and friendship to support Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops initiative.

“Project EverGreen’s initiatives strive to connect green spaces with families and communities. In addition to creating community bonds and promoting the environmental, physical and mental health benefits of green spaces, our programs track carbon sequestration and clean air produced by healthy managed green spaces,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Participants and sponsors of both the golf classic and Band Blitz have helped us move the mission forward and we thank them for it.”

Research has shown a correlation between green spaces, improved air quality and carbon sequestration; reduced heat buildup and lower cooling costs. Access to green spaces has also shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve attention levels and reduce feelings of fear and anger in both adults and children. They also foster closer-knit communities and improve the overall well-being of residents.

The combined passion Project EverGreen volunteers and donors have for golf and the great outdoors resulted in an exciting day on the course and at the awards reception following the round. The winning foursome, sponsored by FMC, turned in a 13-under scorecard included Chris Pearson, Brian Green, Rodney Moss and Alison Cole.

Skill shot winners included longest drive (Matt Carver, Advanced Turf Solutions), Closest to the pin (Greg Roman, Nufarm and Boyd Montgomery, Toro) and straightest drive (Tanner Hardy, Yard-Nique). Jeff Braun of Primera was the winner of the 50/50 raffle and he generously donated all of the winnings back to Project EverGreen.

PBI-Gordon was the title sponsor of the outing and they were joined by Lunch, Reception and Photo Cart Sponsors, SiteOne Landscape Supply, PrimeSource, TrueWinds Consulting, ValleyGreen Professional Turf Products, Nufarm, GIE Media, BASF and Turfs Up Radio, as well as hole sponsors AC Business Media (Green Industry Pros), Sipcam Agro, Advanced Turf Solutions, Sports Field Solutions, Smith Turf &Irrigation/The Toro Co., Green Cities Foundation, Focal Point Communications, AMGUARD. National Association of Landscape Professionals, Golfdom, Primera Turf, Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data, FMC, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Control Solutions/Quali-Pro, Scythe Robotics, Golf Course Industry, TELUS Agriculture & Consumers Goods, Lebanon Turf, BCLS Landscape Services, M/A/R/C Research and Husqvarna.

Band Blitz VI, co-sponsored by the Buffalo (MN) American Legion, was held on September 10, and featured several popular local bands and prize raffles. Sponsors for the event include Buffalo American Legion, 21st Century Bank, CorTrust Bank, Mid-Country Bank, Bremer Bank, Coborn’s, Connie Herzog/Coldwell Banker Realty, HJ Development, Gardner & Gardner Communications, GIE Media, Weed Man and The Toro Company.

“The work that is done to grow a healthier green space footprint through the GreenCare for Communities and GreenCare for Troops initiatives benefits communities and military families across the country,” said Code.