MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the cusp of its 150th anniversary, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company today announced the formation of a charitable foundation with a core focus on environmental issues, the creation of community gardens and greenspaces and the development of high-potential, underserved students through education.
“This decision is a testament to our culture and our proud history of supporting the environment and the communities where we live and work,” said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO. “As we prepare to celebrate our 150 th anniversary, this is the right time to create a foundation. Such a milestone should do more than simply reflect on where we’ve been, it should focus on where we’re headed. The creation of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation marks a long-term commitment to a series of important causes we hold dear and that we trust the next generation of leaders and associates will proudly build upon.”
One of the first major programs to be supported by the Foundation will take place March 22, which is World Water Day. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and The Everglades Foundation will co-sponsor a national Impact and Innovation Water Summit, which will address concerns around the growing problem of water nutrient pollution, particularly from excess phosphorus in waterways. The event, which will be held in Florida where nutrient issues have become a significant concern, will mark a formal collaboration from both groups towards supporting bold and lasting designs for water protection.
Summit attendees will include representatives from the public and private sector, academic experts on water quality issues, as well as other water-related environmental organizations from across the U.S., including a dozen charitable organizations whose work The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation will also fund.
"Supporting water quality and conservation issues is the most important environmental priority for our Company, so it’s fitting that it be the first major focus of our new Foundation," said Foundation President and Board Member Jim King who also serves as SVP and Chief Communications Officer for ScottsMiracle-Gro. “But achieving clean, abundant water is a challenge much broader than what our company or industry can solve for alone. We hope that our support of The Everglades Foundation and other environmental groups will help advance the cause of preserving the beauty and health of our waterways.”
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation will also support The Hagedorn Legacy Foundation on a new program that identifies and nurtures high-potential, underserved students in Central Ohio. The program’s goal is to change the future of these at-risk students by helping them achieve social mobility through mentoring and educational opportunities. Details about the new initiative will be unveiled later in 2017 with an anticipated program launch in 2018.
The Foundation also will dedicate resources to establish gardens and outdoor spaces in the communities that need them the most. This creation of outdoor spaces will be accomplished by bolstering GRO 1000, a multi-year effort to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens and greenspaces to communities across the United States.
“Current and future generations deserve access to gardens and greenspaces, clean water resources and the dream of a better life,” said Foundation Board Member Jim King. “We will work diligently to help tackle large, complex issues through our Foundation giving. Through our support of like-minded partners, our mission is to spark positive social and environmental change and create a lasting legacy.”
About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation
The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate communities of purpose in the areas of environmental improvement, youth empowerment, and community gardens and greenspaces. The Foundation carries out its mission by funding qualifying charitable entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments, and multi-year capital gifts. The Foundation is deeply rooted in preserving our planet, empowering the next generation, and helping create healthier communities. For more information, visit www.scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org
Contacts: Molly Jennings; (561) 681-7683 molly.jennings@scotts.com
