Turfgrass producers raise $25,000 for research, education at Jubilee event

September 3, 2014 - By AT Staff

Wendy Davey of Victoria, Australia, laps Claus Zander from Ontario, Canada, as TPI's president Eddie Keeven points to the finish line.

Wendy Davey of Victoria, Australia, laps Claus Zander from Ontario, Canada, as TPI President Eddie Keeven points to the finish line.

Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) preceded its 2014 Field Day with a Preview Jubilee on July 30 in Philadelphia that helped raise money for The Lawn Institute to support turfgrass research and education.

Jubilee attendees toured Johnson Farms in nearby Deerfield, N.J., which covers more than 1,600 acres of quality nursery stock, including trees, perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses as well as 800 acres of premium turfgrass sod.

Several events at the Jubilee helped raise money for turfgrass research and education. The Lawn Institute’s first-ever tricycle race, sponsored by Barenbrug USA, Bucyrus Equipment Company, Grassland Oregon, Kesmac Brouwer, Trebro Manufacturing, Trimax Mowing Systems and Turf Merchants, Inc., and its seven teams comprised of 42 racers, raised nearly $5,000 in conjunction with a 50/50 raffle.

Fred Pittillo of Turf Mountain Sod in Hendersonville, N.C., donated a J.I. Case 300 tractor for the auction.

A live auction followed the race. John Owens of Kesmac Brouwer served as the auctioneer for assorted items, including a prized collectible J.I. Case 300 tractor from 1956-1958, a Columbia Heritage Lawn Mower, a two-day duck hunting trip in Missouri and a three-day snowmobiling trip through West Yellowstone, Mont. All the tricycles featured in the tricycle race were donated by sponsoring companies for the auction.

The live auction and generous sponsorship support raised an additional $20,000 for the foundation.

TPI appointed Eddie Keeven Jr. of Emerald View Turf Farm in O’Fallon, Miss., to the 2014-15 president of the association while at the meeting, effective July 30.

Photos: Jim Novak