Jul 30, 2004

5th Annual Relay for FIRST Brings Funds for FloricultureSource: Dramm Corporation

For the past five years, Dramm Corp., Manitowoc, Wis., with OFA, has organized and sponsored the 5K Relay for Floriculture. Athletes competed on Saturday July 10 during the OFA Short Course at Goodale Park in Columbus, Ohio.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, small groups of four arrived at the park ready for a healthy running competition. The runners warmed up with sprints down the streets and stretches. Teams pinned shirt tag numbers denoting team affiliation to their “Give FIRSTAid” t-shirts that were handed out before the relay. Companies not able to participate in the run were able to be a sponsor through a donation. Each company received a logo spot on the relay t-shirts, start/finish line banner and a promotional sign displayed at the park and at the Short Course in the Dramm booth.

A total of 11 teams competed for top honors. This year’s winning team was “Svensson Energy Conservation” comprised of Kurt Parbst and Mauricio Manotas of LS Svensson, Scott Thompson of XS Smith and Ed Lauer of Albert Lauer. They had the best time of 22:37. The first-, second- and third-place teams were honored at the Short Course Opening reception on Sunday July 11. Each team received a trophy and four appropriately colored (gold, silver and bronze) engraved Rain Wand watering tools from Dramm.

Through registrants and sponsors, a net total of $3,770 was raised for FIRST. Dramm’s contribution to organize the event, a professional race coordination team and cold bottled water among other materials, totaled approximately $5,095. If you missed out on the fun this year, plan on organizing a running team for next year’s event on the Saturday before the Short Course. You can run, walk or sponsor to raise money for FIRST, the non-profit organization that provides funds for floriculture research and scholarships to horticulture students. For more information on the Relay contact Dramm at (800) 258-0848.