Toro has helped the GCSAA Foundation raise more than $2 million for turfgrass research
Lawrence, Kan.– The GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has again received a $50,000 grant from The Toro Company Foundation for continued support of the Rounds 4 Research program in 2023. With this contribution, Toro has donated $550,000 to the program over the past 11 years.
Rounds 4 Research is designed to address a critical shortage in turfgrass research funding by auctioning donated rounds of golf online. The program allows GCSAA chapters and turfgrass foundations to participate as fundraising partners and direct the proceeds from auctioned rounds to specific projects that will have the most significant impact in their local areas. Since its launch in 2012, Rounds 4 Research has raised nearly $2.5 million. The 2023 auction will be held April 24-30. The program is administered by the GCSAA Foundation and presented in partnership with Toro.
“We raised a record amount in the 2022 auction, and Toro’s support played a crucial role in that,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “Toro understands how R4R provides long-term benefit to the golf industry and the game, and we thank them for their continued support.”
“From support of applied research to scholarship funding for children of members and turfgrass students, we are proud to see the impact Rounds 4 Research has had on the industry,” said Judson McNeil, president, The Toro Company Foundation. “The ultimate benefactors of the investment of these funds are golfers and golf facilities to help facilities operate more efficiently, enhance environmental performance and provide more enjoyable playing conditions.”
Toro is a longtime partner of the GCSAA Foundation, donating more than $2.4 million since 1987 to help support scientific research, education and scholarships for future turfgrass professionals. As the exclusive presenting partner of Rounds 4 Research, Toro is a Victory Club member of the GCSAA Foundation’s cumulative giving program and a GCSAA Platinum Partner.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
