The FairWays Foundation held its inaugural June 21-22 summit at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The event brought together industry influencers as well as previous and potential grant recipients for educational talks and networking.
With over 80 in attendance, the event aimed to raise awareness for the work of The FairWays Foundation. With nearly $300,000 worth of funds granted to date, the foundation will review and award the 2022 cycle applicants in the coming few months when they hope to see the running total hit half a million dollars. The summit welcomed former USGA Green Section director of education Dr. Kimberly Erusha as keynote speaker, followed by an outstanding guest panel including:
- Mark Lane, superintendent, The Memphremagog Golf Club, Quebec
- Joel Nunes, director of golf, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, Portugal
- Greg Lovell, The Fairways Foundation board member, Eastern Midwest territory manager, Aquatrols
- Angelica Carmen, grant recipient and sustainability specialist at Mistwood Golf Club
The FairWays Foundation President Matt Foster expressed his thanks to all those in attendance and encouraged attendees to help spread the word about the foundation, particularly its ability to help fund small and large conservation-based projects for those in their industry.
"We understand making a difference in your community takes tremendous grit from a local champion. It might be a green keeper, park manager, or program volunteer,” Foster said. “Regardless, without their will, these projects would never move forward. Our message to those individuals out there with a wish for a healthier environment is that The Fairways Foundation can help provide a way to make it happen. If you're on the fence, just apply. You have nothing to lose.”
CLICK HERE for more information about TheFairways Foundation, including details about how to become an ambassador.