LPGA Continues Support of the Institute

The LPGA Foundation continues its support of The Environmental Institute for Golf with another $5,000 donation in honor of Rae Evans, vice chairwoman/treasurer of The Institute Board of Trustees, and chairwoman of the LPGA Commissioner's Advisory Council. The Institute is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The donation places The LPGA Foundation in the Platinum Tee Club for the second consecutive year, which is the giving club for organizations that contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to The Institute. The LPGA Foundation is also recognized at the Presidential Club level through The Institute's cumulative giving program of organizations that have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999 since 1987.

"This donation to The Environmental Institute for Golf and the continued support from one of GCSAA's closest allies reaffirms the LPGA's commitment to environmental stewardship, research and education," said GCSAA and Institute CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS. "We have a strong relationship with the LPGA and look forward to continued involvement together in the future."

Evans is the founder and president of the Evans Capitol Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public strategies firm. Prior to founding Evans Capitol Group, she spent 25 years in various senior level government relations positions including vice president of national affairs for Hallmark Cards Inc., and director of government relations for CBS Inc. Evans has served as past chairwoman of the LPGA Board of Directors and she was instrumental in helping Susan G. Komen for the Cure be named the official national charity of the LPGA in 1992.

GCSAA and the LPGA worked together in 2007 to secure John Miller, CGCS, as the LPGA Tour agronomist. He assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course conditions, serving as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. The results have been overwhelmingly positive according to LPGA tournament officials, host golf course superintendents and the LPGA Tour players.

Established in 1991, The LPGA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to empowering and supporting girls and women united by their passion for golf through educational, humanitarian and developmental initiatives. Key funding priorities include: junior golf programs; scholarships; the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative for those in the golf industry; and research and educational activities related to golf instruction. The LPGA Foundation is supported by corporate and private donations, foundation grants and contributions from LPGA members. For more on The LPGA Foundation, visit www.lpgafoundation.org.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Note: The title CGCS stands for Certified Golf Course Superintendent, which recognizes the achievement of high standards of professionalism through education, testing and experience.