Hundreds attend fundraiser for Project EverGreen

(L to R): Dan Carrothers, FMC, Project EverGreen board president; Cindy Code, Project EverGreen executive director; Elliot Anderson, Elliot’s Lawn Service; William Krammer, Krammer’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal; Brad Dahl, BTSA, LLC; Nathan Newlands, Spring Touch Lawn & Pest Control; Ki Matsko, GreenCare for Troops program manager; and Sean Casey, Nufarm, Project EverGreen board member. (Photo: Project EverGreen)

Music and laughter filled the American Legion parking lot in Delano, Minn., as hundreds of people attended Band Blitz II, a fundraiser supporting Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops (GCFT).

“Thriving lawns, trees and landscapes 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,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Our volunteers enjoy providing the gift of green spaces to military families in their time of need. It’s the best way they know to give back to our nation’s military who have done so much for us.”

Throughout the evening, local bands took the stage to entertain and share the program’s message. Nearly $20,000 was raised through event ticket sales, food and beverage, sponsorships and raffle ticket sales for chances to win Toro power equipment. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Delano American Legion.

Local GCFT volunteers attending the event included Elliot Anderson of Elliot’s Lawn Service, William Krammer of Krammer’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal, Brad Dahl of BTSA, LLC and Nathan Newlands of Spring Touch Lawn & Pest Control. Minnesota State Rep. Joe McDonald read a proclamation from the state House of Representatives honoring GreenCare for Troops Day in Delano.

“It’s great coming together for one purpose, helping military families. As a veteran of the Australian Air Force, I know firsthand just how much these organizations can help military families,” said Newlands. “As a brand, one of our core values is to ‘Be the change.’ By requiring our franchisees to volunteer with Project EverGreen, we are able to help provide lawn care and snow plowing services for actively deployed family members. We hope that this event inspires other companies to join with Project EverGreen and to realize the impact it can have on actively deployed military families.”

Plans are underway for Band Blitz III, which will be held at the Delano American Legion on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019.