Join in a Year of "Difference-Making" With GMS!

This time of year can be quiet in the landscaping business.

What’s the benefit? There’s time to make plans.

Big plans. Good plans. The type that help make our community a better place to live … for those raising families, and for those who need some help.

GMS has been making plans. In fact, we pledge that 2016 will be a year of “difference-making.” We have lots of charitable and community outreach on tap. Will you join us?

Last week we explained how GMS donated $5,000 to Elmbrook schools in 2015 through the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group. We plan to donate more this year. Just become a C.A.R.I.N.G. Group member (it’s free), and we’ll donate 5 percent of all our billed charges to the school(s) of your choice.

The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group donations are ongoing. We have a full calendar of charity and community activities, though. Your support and involvement will collectively help us “make that difference.” Please mark these dates!

• April: In conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re again partnering with Charlie’s East Coast Hair Designs to collect items for children and infants staying at The Women’s Center in Waukesha. What’s needed? Diapers, formula, clothing, books, movie passes, gift cards, grooming items … everything from absolute essentials, to things that can take a kid’s mind off living in a shelter. A coalition of local businesses will again serve as drop-off sites.

The collection crew gathered at The Women's Center, May 2015, after dropping off more than 500 items gathered in the inaugural supplies drive.

• June 22: The second annual Elmbrook Open Golf Outing tees off at Ironwood Golf Course to benefit the Elmbrook Education Foundation. GMS is an event sponsor. The EEF funds scholarships and innovative programs within Elmbrook schools. Our schools are a big reason why our community is such a great place. Purchase a sponsorship, donate to the silent auction, and/or sign up to join the golfing fun!
• Aug. 19: More golf? Yes, indeed. The GMAC Golf Outing enters its second decade, after raising more than $100,000 for charity in its first 10 years. ActionCOACH of Elm Grove will again co-host with GMS at Ironwood Golf Course. All proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation and the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. More than 200 regularly participate in this outing. Who’s missing? If it’s you, consider joining as a golfer, sponsor or silent auction donor.
• October-November: Hunger? In Brookfield, Elm Grove and New Berlin, WI? Yes … which is why our third community food drive getsw ready to roll. Again partnering with other local businesses, we’ll collect food, diapers, cleaning products and personal hygiene items. All are donated to the New Berlin Food Pantry. The pantry serves up to 125 households per month. Did you know this? Up until a few years ago we didn’t, either … which makes this effort all the more important.

We promise more details as these happenings draw closer. We just ask that you make a note … and think about participating. We love doing things to better our local communities. It’s just so much more fun (and effective) doing so with our customers, friends and neighbors!