The Professional Landcare Network Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) raised more than $170,000 at this year’s Green Industry Conference (GIC) at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky.
The nonprofit foundation supports landscape and horticulture education and is halfway through its five-year campaign to raise $5 million.
James River Grounds Management and Pacific Landscape Management became the newest PLANET AEF ambassadors by pledging $25,000. HighGrove Partners and the McCutcheon family as well as Husqvarna became platinum ambassadors by increasing their pledge from the $25,000 level to the $50,000 level. The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association also provided $25,000 in funds through its matching program.
For the second year, a Take Stock in a Student $25,000 scholarship was created from funds raised from dozens of people who bought “shares” throughout the conference and during the PLANET Awards and PLANET AEF Recognition Ceremony. In addition, Go iLawn and the Rorie family agreed to match the funds raised through Take Stock in a Student. As a result, they donated $25,000, making them a new platinum ambassador as well.
“We are really excited about taking PLANET AEF to the next level,” said Tom Fochtman, LIC, PLANET AEF president. “The generous donations from industry leaders make it possible to grow the foundation to be able to support more educational opportunities.”
