Kenny Askew, a Friday Harbor massage therapist, plans to fundraise more than $3,500 to spend a week cycling 585 miles through Oregon in a week – all in support of tree research.
The event is the STIHL Tour des Trees, and over the past 20 years it has become America’s largest fundraiser for tree research, raising more than $5 million to benefit the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund.
"I've worked at the STIHL Tour des Trees in the past as a massage therapist," said Askew, "and this year I feel it is time to ride!”
Askew is well on his way to raising the $3,500 minimum donation required to take part in the ride, which helps to fund scientific research grants, education programs and scholarships administered by the TREE Fund.
To contribute to Askew’s fundraising efforts, visit his donation page.
Profiled in the travel section of Forbes and on CNN, the STIHL Tour des Trees offers cyclists and tree lovers an opportunity to experience a different part of the world from a bike each year, planting trees and raising awareness of the importance of tree research and proper care for urban trees.
Last year’s Tour traveled from Virginia Beach, Va., to Washington, D.C. planted more than 45 new trees and raised more than half a million dollars.
"The cyclists of the STIHL Tour des Trees are the lifeblood of the TREE Fund,” said Janet Bornancin, President/CEO of the foundation. "Not only do they raise the funds necessary to ensure that tree research continues, they devote a week to cycling across the country, carrying the message of science-based tree care to the communities whose trees will benefit from their efforts."
To support Askew’s fundraising campaign or to learn more about the STIHL Tour des Trees to benefit the TREE Fund, visit www.stihltourdestrees.org.
Photos and videos from previous Tours are available online.
About the TREE Fund: The TREE Fund’s mission is to support sustainable communities and environmental stewardship by supporting research, scholarships and education programs essential to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.
The TREE Fund has supported research that has led to important developments in:
• Understanding air pollution reduction and carbon sequestration by trees
• Determining the costs and benefits of urban trees
• Improving conditions for tree growth in difficult sites
• Strategies to manage diseases and pests that affect urban trees
For more information, visit www.treefund.org.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America,* as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445), visit stihlusa.com or text your zip code to 78445.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2011 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
STIHL is pleased to support the work of Independent We Stand, the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors. For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
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