Swingle Plant Pathologist Cycles, Raises $100K for the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 -- For the 16th consecutive year, Steve Geist, Plant Pathologist for Denver-based Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care, will ride in the STIHL Tour des Trees to benefit the TREE Fund. This year, Geist set and achieved a goal of raising over $100,000 in cumulative sponsorships over his 16 years of participation. The TREE Funds said this makes Geist, “one of our largest all-time fundraisers.”
“One of my professional goals is a safer and healthier urban forest,” said Geist, who has been with Swingle for 30 years. “My personal objective to support that goal is to raise $6,700 this year.” Geist contributed $1000 of his own money. Swingle also made a substantial contribution.
The STIHL Tour des Trees, now in its 22nd year, is the signature fundraising event for the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund, and America’s largest fundraiser for tree research and education. This year’s ride launches from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, July 28 and runs a counterclockwise route around Lake Ontario, concluding a week later in Toronto at the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference. Geist will represent Swingle at the conference, “provided,” he says, “I can finish all 585 miles of the course.”
“Each STIHL Tour des Trees cyclists dedicates months to training for the ride and fundraising for the TREE Fund,” said Janet Bornancin, President/CEO of the foundation. “Their efforts benefit urban trees everywhere. While most people can’t match that commitment, a donation to a Tour rider’s fundraising campaign is a way to recognize that effort and support the continued health of the trees in your community.”
“Steve’s leadership and contributions to the TREE Fund are right in line with Swingle’s belief in contributing positively to our community and the industry,” said Swingle CEO Tom Tolkacz. Tolkacz noted that in addition to Swingle’s ongoing volunteerism in beautifying Colorado landmarks and supporting local community initiatives, the company actively participates in elevating the profile of Colorado landscaping needs at the national level.
To support Geist’s fundraising campaign, visit the STIHL Tour des Trees website. The TREE Fund is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. “Think,” Geist urged, “about what a tree has done for you today.”
About Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care
Founded in Denver in 1947, Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care has grown to be the one of the largest residential and commercial lawn service and tree care companies in Colorado, employing more certified arborists than any other Colorado company. For information please contact Vince Serio VSerio (at) MySwingle.com (303) 337-6200 or visit MySwingle (dot) com/contact.
Vince Serio, Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care, http://www.MySwingle.com, 303-337-6200, [email protected]
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