Last fall, more than 500 schools across the country took part in the 4th Annual Wyland National Art & Mural Challenge. Created by the Wyland Foundation and world-renown marine life artist Wyland, the contest gives children from grades K through12 an opportunity to create original artwork depicting their understanding of and appreciation for the conservation of our planet. Participating schools have the chance to win free mural canvases for their classroom. In addition, the class in each grade level category whose artwork best represents their understanding of water conservation receives a gift card for art supplies, as well as a chance to win the grand prize, artwork signed by Wyland.
As a contributing sponsor of this event, Toro each year assembles some of the winning artwork to create a calendar. The release of this year’s special 2016-2017 calendar coincided with the Irrigation Association’s “Smart Irrigation Month” in July, which highlights various water conservation practices and activities. The calendars are made available to participating schools for use as a fundraising opportunity. All proceeds are utilized by the schools to enhance water conservation activities and education.
Toro first partnered with the Wyland Foundation in 2014 on the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, a national competition among cities to see who can be the most “water wise”. Since then, Toro has sponsored education and outreach campaigns to extend the mutual goal of raising awareness about the importance of efficient water use through community events, trade shows, school presentations and art contests.
Since 1993, the nonprofit Wyland Foundation has set the standard for environmental outreach, teaching millions of students around the world to become caring, informed stewards of our oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands. The Foundation’s efforts have led to strategic alliances with the U.S. Olympic Team, the United Nations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Forest Service, Toyota, and Walt Disney Studios. The Toro Company’s partnership with Wyland Foundation builds on this tradition of bringing together public and private agencies to support conservation efforts across the nation.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2015, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.toro.com.
