TPI reels in $25K for TLI

Wendy Davey of Victoria, Australia competes tricycles past Claus Zander from Ontario, Canada. TPI President Eddie Keeven point to the finish line.

Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) raised around $25,000 for The Lawn Institute (TLI) as part of a fundraising event held in advance of its 2014 field day July 30.

A funding organization for turfgrass research and education, TLI put on its first-ever tricycle race, sponsored by Barenbrug USA, Bucyrus Equipment Co., Grassland Oregon, Kesmac Brouwer, Trebro Manufacturing, Trimax Mowing Systems and Turf Merchants. Seven teams, comprising 42 riders, entered the race, raising nearly $5,000 for TLI.

The event also included a live auction, which brought in an additional $20,000, due in part to sponsorship support. John Owens of Kesmac Brouwer served as the auctioneer, selling off items such as a collectable J.I. Case 300 tractor (1956-58), a Columbia Heritage lawn mower, a two-day duck hunting trip and a three-day snowmobiling trip.

Attendees also received a personal tour of Johnson Farms in Deerfield, N.J. The 1,600-acre operation houses nursery stock such as trees, perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses, plus 800 acres of turfgrass sod.

Photo: Jim Novak