The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), announced that The Toro Co., has become the first member of the Victory Club, recognizing its cumulative giving of more than $1 million over the last 19 years.
"The Institute could not have accomplished what it has without the support of Toro," said GCSAA CEO Steve Mona. "Toro has been a true leader in fostering environmental stewardship and in backing the efforts of The Environmental Institute for Golf. We are most appreciative of their contributions, but even more so of the support of the golf course management profession that has existed for decades."
Toro’s support of The Institute and association activities since 1987 includes contributions to GCSAA’s 75th Anniversary, Platinum Tee Club, the Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment, "Investing in the Beauty of Golf" endowment campaign, participation in the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction, the Szafranski Grant, EDGE: Golf’s online resource, the Watson Fellowship, and GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile project.
The Golf Course Environmental Profile project, the most recent GCSAA environmental program, has met with widespread support. Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 2,900 surveys were returned by golf course superintendents, representing about 17 percent of the golf facilities within the United States. Additional phases of the project will be completed throughout the next five years.
"We are proud to say that Toro is the first name to enter The Environmental Institute of Golf’s Victory Club," said Michael J. Hoffman, Toro president and CEO. "We support the vision of The Institute and are pleased to collaborate on such vital programs and services."
Established in 1987, The Institute’s giving program has seven levels of cumulative support for organizations. Those levels are Statesman’s Club ($10,000-$24,999), Executive Club ($25,000-$49,999), Governor’s Club ($50,000-$99,999), Presidential Club ($100,000-$249,999), Champion’s Club ($250,000-$499,999), Star Club ($500,000-$999,999), which Toro was also the inaugural member of, and Victory Club ($1 million and above), which Toro is the only member of to date.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig
GCSAA Director of Communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org
