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Through donations provided by The Toro Co., six kids from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of St. Joseph County, Ind., along with their mentors were treated to two exciting days in the University of Notre Dame football stadium.
“This is really a dream for these children,” said Deborah Burrow, executive director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of St. Joseph County. “The gift provided by Toro will have a long-lasting impact on these children.”
On Nov. 14, the kids and their mentors attended the weekly Notre Dame football coach’s lunch and met the team coaches and players. After lunch, Head Coach Tyrone Willingham invited the guests back to his office for photos, followed by a tour of the facilities and field led by Dan Brazo, manager of the university’s athletic facilities.
“A big part of the tour was when we took the kids onto the field itself and talked to them about the fact that there are careers in sports other than being a famous halfback,” comments Dale Getz, former athletic facilities manager for the university and now sports turf sales manager for Toro. “You can work in college sports on a pretty cool level as a turf manager or grounds manager – you really get excited for every game.” Though Getz notes that the kids were understandably overwhelmed by the enormity of Notre Dame Stadium, they loosened up a bit on the field and asked questions about the facility and the Toro products used to groom the field.
Of course, the highlight of the two-day event came on Saturday when the kids and their mentors were invited to Notre Dame’s game against Brigham Young University. Not only did the Fighting Irish come out on top with a score of 33 to 14, but each pair of Brothers and Sisters was given $100 to spend on souvenirs and snacks at the game. Willingham will also be sending each Little Brother and Sister a signed baseball cap.
“Notre Dame football is the heart of the South Bend community, and it’s everyone’s dream to step onto the field of Notre Dame Stadium,” says Rick Lohman, director of national accounts for Toro. “It feels good to know we helped make that dream come true for some who may not have otherwise had the chance.”
The author is Assistant Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at lspiers@lawnandlandscape.com.