Fundraisers Support GreenCare for Troops Mission

The mission to deliver healthier green spaces to military families facing a deployment received a boost from a pair of recent fundraisers for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program. These efforts raised an impressive $23,000 for the nationwide initiative which is celebrating its 18^th year serving deployed military families.

Despite rainy weather, Band Blitz VIII, held June 15 at the Buffalo (Minnesota) American Legion Post 270, brought together more than 150 guests, including local dignitaries, business leaders and community members for a day of music, food and friendship to support GreenCare for Troops.

Attendees were united by their commitment to the GreenCare for Troop’s mission of creating healthier green spaces for military families by providing free lawn care and basic landscape services to them during the length of a deployment.

Music was provided by local band Little Chicago, led by Den Gardner (former Project EverGreen executive director) and his twin brother Dan Gardner. The event featured a raffle offering a variety of coveted items including Toro power equipment, grills, golf and spa packages, wine baskets and flowers. The popular raffle generated significant funds for the program.

Event sponsors included 21st Century Bank, CorTrust Bank, Coborn’s, Den and Sandy Gardner, Gary and Peg Janisch, GIE Media, HJ Development, JSMC, Mid Country Bank, RBC Investments, The Toro Company and Weed Man USA.

The inaugural Project EverGreen “You Move, We Mow Challenge” stepped off during GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week June 23-29. The challenge encouraged participants to record 18,000 steps (in recognition of GCFT’s 18^th anniversary) walking, running, biking or hiking during the awareness week.

Nearly 140 participants registered for the challenge. At the completion of the event, participants recorded a whopping 2.5 million steps. That’s the equivalent of “steps” between Cleveland and New York City!

Military family registrations have increased 13 percent in the last year and the money raised from the Band Blitz and “You Move, We Mow Challenge” supports additional outreach efforts to recruit additional volunteers to match the continually growing list of military families registering for services. Proceeds have also helped support GreenCare for Troops database improvements and led to increased exposure for the program through stories and PSAs appearing in print, TV and radio.

“We are excited about the impact the funds raised will have on the GreenCare for Troops program,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Healthy green spaces are important to military families for many reasons, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported these events and contributed to their success.”

About GreenCare for Troops

Now in its 18^th year, GreenCare for Troops has provided an estimated $20 million in donated lawn and landscape services and peace of mind to 20,000 military families in need across the country since the program’s inception.

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The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program Title Sponsor is Nufarm. SnowCare for Troops program in BOSS Snowplow. Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, AMGUARD Environmental Sciences  and Heritage Landscape Supply. The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel.

Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

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