Embracing the “New Normal”

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation (VTF) is embracing the “new normal” of zoom meetings and virtual events by continuing to work on new and innovative ways to increase consumer awareness on the importance natural grass has to our environment, health, and recreation activity.

With social distancing guidelines in place, the VTF decided to hold our first virtual weekend event on August 1st & 2nd, 2020, sponsored by The Optimal Service Group of the Wells Fargo Advisors, in Williamsburg, VA.

The event was marketed as the “5k My Way!” event with the tagline of “Any Town ~ Any Way ~ How do you 5K?”.

Because it was a virtual event, participants could do the event from Virginia and beyond. Our goal was to encourage people to get outside to enjoy the benefits of turfgrass, while attracting multiple demographics with the flexibility of the event. There was no need to run, walk, or jog this 5k to successfully participate (unless participants chose to). Participants were creative with how they did their 5k; swimming, hiking, skateboarding, biking, mowing, and more.

Overall, the virtual event was a success! We mailed almost 100 filled swag boxes to participants and donors in 9 different states! The swag included event branded pint glasses and bottle openers with lanyards (disguised as finishers medals), VTF “#KeepingItReal” bracelets, along with promotional swag from; Virginia Living Magazine, Visit Virginia, Tidewater Orthopaedics, GymGuyz, Arbonne, Dick’s Sporting Goods, VTC, Turf Love, and the UPS Store.

The promotion of the event reached almost twenty thousand (20k) people, resulting in new consumer and industry related attention for the VTF, which has been extremely encouraging.

With having such a positive response from both the event and our ongoing “#KeepingItReal” campaign, we are excited to keep growing (pun intended), by continuing to create fun, family-friendly events, bringing awareness to turfgrass, as well as increase donor support of research for Virginia Tech. You can follow us on all social media platforms and visit our website for upcoming family friendly events!

In addition to the VTF hosted events, we are thankful to have the ongoing support of the Industry!

• Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association and Virginia Turfgrass Council Virginia Tech Research Classic at Independence Golf Club, Rescheduled August 31, 2020. Contact: David Norman dnorman008@gmail.com (804) 708-9760

• Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association Research Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club, October 8, 2020. Contact: David Lewellen david.lewallen@ BlueRidgeShadows.com (703) 887-5305

• Virginia Sod Growers Golf Tournament fundraiser, November 5, 2020, The Crossing Golf Club Contact: Jeff Everhart jeff.everhart@woodwardturf.com (540) 760-5040

Brandyn Baty

VTF Director

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. P.O. Box 2062 • Williamsburg, VA 23187 • (757) 585-3058 • Tax ID #54-1503158