Stihl Inc. returns for the fourth year as the title sponsor for the 2012 Stihl Tour des Trees, and has committed as title sponsor of the event through 2014. This year marks the company’s 11th year of sponsorship of the Tour, which just completed a record-breaking fundraising campaign to benefit the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund.
“Stihl’s leadership, coupled with the support of our other sponsors and the dedication of our cyclists, made it possible for the Stihl Tour des Trees to raise an unprecedented half-million dollars for the TREE Fund in 2011, despite a difficult economy”, said Janet Bornancin, president/CEO of the TREE Fund. “Good tree care requires top-quality tools, and tree care professionals rely on Stihl products to care for and maintain the health of the trees in their communities. Stihl’s commitment to the Tour, the TREE Fund and the research that powers progress in arboriculture is inspiring. We count ourselves fortunate to have such a generous and engaged title sponsor for our signature fundraiser.”
The 2012 Stihl Tour des Trees marks the 20th anniversary of the event, which has raised more than $5 million for tree research and education since the first Tour rolled from Seattle to Oakland in 1992. This year’s cyclists will tackle a 585-mile loop through Oregon August 5-11, a “life list” ride that will showcase the region’s iconic scenery and diverse eco-zones. The Pacific coast, Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge and Oregon’s vineyards, orchards and high desert will provide spectacular backdrops for a week of challenging cycling, educational programs, community engagement and fun. The Tour will return to Portland on August 11 for a one-day recreational Ride for Research, and conclude with a Finale Celebration at the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual International Tree Climbing Championship.
“The TREE Fund supports research that is vital to trees and those who care for them, and we are pleased to be a continued part of supporting the research that helps ensure healthy trees for future generations,” said Anita Gambill of Stihl Inc. “We look forward to breaking more fundraising records this year.”
More information on the Stihl Tour des Trees, including information on sponsorship, rider registration or donating to the TREE Fund is available at www.stihltourdestrees.org. Photos from the 2011 Tour are available at http://stihltourdestrees.org/2011/10/2011-stihl-tour-des-trees-photo-gallery/.
