2006 STEWARDSHIP AWARD

Minnesota Twins Community Fund Named Recipient of Project EverGreen’s
Stewardship Award for Efforts to
Improve Green Spaces for Kids

In recognition of their tremendous work to improve green spaces for children, Project EverGreen today announced it would honor the Minnesota Twins major league baseball club and the Minnesota Twins Community Fund with its 2006 Stewardship Award. The annual award is part of the group’s overall mission to raise awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play.

(left to right) Den Gardner, Executive Director of Project EverGreen; Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins; Cindy Code, President of Project EverGreen's Board of Directors; Bill LeClaire, Chairman of the Twins Community Fund; Kevin Smith, Executive Director of the Twins Community Fund; and Bob Rumpza, Project EverGreen consultant

Since its inception in 1999, more than $1.1 million has been granted to improve 285 Upper Midwest, Southwest Florida and Latin American ball fields through the Twins Community Fund Fields for Kids program. This year’s program co-sponsors are The Toro Company and Land O’Lakes, Inc.

“The Twins Community Fund is committed to enhancing baseball and softball experiences for kids - which pays dividends in other ways, as well - and the Fields for Kids program exemplifies that commitment,” said Twins Community Fund Executive Director Kevin Smith.

“Studies show that green spaces are key to children’s emotional and physical health,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The Fields for Kids program improves kids’ lives one ball field at a time, and Project EverGreen would like to thank them for everything they are doing.”

This is Project EverGreen’s third annual Stewardship Award presentation. The 2005 Stewardship Award was presented to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for outstanding leadership in preserving and enhancing the value of green spaces in his city.

About Fields for Kids

See before and after photos

Matching grants up to $5,000 are available for the renovation or construction of baseball and/or softball fields used primarily by youth. Eligible renovation projects include the upgrading of essential field components, such as new sod, infields, fencing and dugouts. Non-essential items, such as lights, bleachers, grandstands, restrooms, batting cages and scoreboards, do not qualify for support. Routine maintenance of fields does not qualify. Communities that have not received a Twins Fields for Kids grant receive higher priority.

The program is open to any independent Upper Midwest or Southwest Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, school or local government unit that operates youth baseball and/or softball programs. Organizations applying for a Fields for Kids matching grant are required to secure additional funds equal to or exceeding the amount requested (this may include in-kind contributions of materials and labor).

New Fields for Kids applications will be available after January 26, 2007.