PONTE VEDRA, Fla. and BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Feb. 13, 2023 –The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a global innovator in turf and landscape maintenance, is extending its longtime commitment to First Tee®, a nonprofit that helps young people develop character and life skills through golf. Supporting the nonprofit youth development organization since 1998, the extension will include grants and equipment donations to support chapter initiatives and diversity efforts across the First Tee network.
“The Toro Company is proud to celebrate 25 years of supporting First Tee,” said Edric Funk, Group Vice President of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation Businesses. “Being a part of the ongoing growth of First Tee aligns with our values as we have seen thousands of young people empowered through the game of golf. Golf provides the framework through which First Tee teaches life skills like self-confidence, honesty and resilience, qualities we know will continue to serve First Tee participants throughout their lives on and off the golf course.”
Toro’s “Growing the Game Through Impact and Inclusion” grants have helped First Tee chapters around the country reduce barriers and expand access to their character-building programs, providing places where kids from all backgrounds feel safe and welcome. In 2022 alone, a dozen First Tee chapters benefited from those grants, while 20 chapters received Toro equipment donations valued at $1,000 each. Toro also sponsored the 2022 Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, which was presented to two chapters that have made great strides in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: First Tee – Delaware and First Tee – Greater Charleston. Each chapter received a $5,000 donation from Toro.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with one of our longest partners, The Toro Company, which will continue to support the diversity initiatives that are central to First Tee’s mission,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Toro has been by our side for 25 years, and our organizations share the goal of making golf and our character-building programs more accessible to anyone who wants to play. We’re grateful for their ongoing support.”
Over the last 25 years, Toro has donated more than $1 million to First Tee, and it is committed to supporting the nonprofit through 2025. Founded in 1997, First Tee enables kids to build inner strength, confidence and resilience – qualities that will serve them on the golf course and in life. Its character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of youth annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With net sales of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2022, The Toro Company’s global presence extends to more than 125 countries through a family of brands that includes Toro, Ditch Witch, Exmark, Spartan Mowers, BOSS Snowplow, Ventrac, American Augers, Trencor, Pope, Subsite Electronics, HammerHead, Radius HDD, Perrot, Hayter, Unique Lighting Systems, Irritrol, and Lawn-Boy. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, The Toro Company and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers work on golf courses, sports fields, construction sites, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural operations. For more information, visit www.thetorocompany.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]
(904) 940-4348
Branden, Happel, The Toro Company
[email protected]
(952) 887-8930