NAPERVILLE, Illinois –- The Tree Research & Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) announced that National Grid, one of the largest electric and gas utilities in the U.S., has become the TREE Fund's first Crown level sponsor. This level of sponsorship ($50,000) clearly demonstrates National Grid's leadership in supporting best practices in utility vegetation management and science-based tree care in the communities they serve.
“Climate change and environmental responsibility are key values at National Grid,” said Tom King, president of National Grid's U.S. business. “Our sponsorship of the TREE Fund exemplifies the power of action as we work together to make a difference in our communities through vital research, education and awareness programs,” he added.
“National Grid has often supported our fundraising efforts, but this year's Crown sponsorship puts an exclamation point on their commitment to a green future through tree research and education,” said TREE Fund Executive Director Janet Bornancin. “Together, we can help to make sure our communities have healthy trees that cool our homes and clean our air.”
National Grid is a lead partner in underwriting the 2009 STIHL Tour des Trees to benefit the TREE Fund, a week-long cycling tour that raises public awareness and funds for arboricultural research and education. The Tour will travel primarily through New England this year, kicking off in New York City on July 19 and ending with a grand finale event in Providence, Rhode Island at the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) International Tree Climbing Championship on July 25. Volunteers from National Grid will support the Tour with assistance at public events, route marking and fueling the riders at various points along their nearly 500-mile route.
In addition to National Grid, this year's TREE Fund partners include Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Duke Energy, the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. and Northeast STIHL. More information on riding in the Tour or donating to the TREE Fund, is available at www.stihltourdestrees.org.
About National Grid
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). For more information visit: www.nationalgrid.com.
About the TREE Fund:
The TREE Fund's mission is to identify and fund projects and programs that advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees, and the environment. The TREE Fund has supported research that has led to important developments in:
As a charitable, non-government organization, the TREE Fund relies on donations from the public to fund its educational activities, research grants and scholarships. For more information, visit www.treefund.org.
Media Contacts:
Elizabeth Margulies
516-545-5052
Kate Davis
757-340-7425, ext. 355
or Mary DiCarlo
630-369-8300
