Joe Kucik of Real Green Systems in Walled Lake, Michigan held the winning ticket in the Project EverGreen Great Mower Giveaway Raffle and took home a top-of-the-line Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower worth more than $14,000.

Joe Kucik and Project Evergreen Executive Director, Cindy Code, pose with the Kucik’s new suspended operator platform-equipped Lazer Z X-Series mower.

Kucik’s name was drawn from hundreds of would be hopefuls by Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code in the foundation’s booth at the 2015 GIE + EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky.

Exmark donated the mower for the raffle whose proceeds will go to assist Project EverGreen expand its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.”™ Initiative that is revitalizing recreational and athletic green spaces across the country.

“Project EverGreen is very appreciative of Exmark’s support of the raffle that gave us an opportunity to raise awareness and funds to further mission of the “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative,” said Cindy Code, Project EverGreen executive director. “It was a win-win situation for everyone.”

Kucik echoed Code’s comments and thanked Exmark for their generous support of Project Evergreen.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to win the Cadillac of all zero-turn mowers,” said Kucik. “Thanks to Project EverGreen for all the work they do to promote the green industry and the benefits of managed green spaces.”

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said he couldn’t be happier for Kucik.

“All of us at Exmark are extremely happy for Joe and honored to support Project Evergreen’s “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” Initiative. Now more than ever, we need programs like this to give our children safer, better places to play sports and simply be a kid,” said Walters.

“Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” projects have been completed in Cleveland, Atlanta, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Ft. Worth and Round Rock, Texas. Additional projects scheduled for completion this year include Portland, Oregon; Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.

About “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.”

“Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” is a nationwide initiative to renovate parks and athletic fields to ensure children have access to safe green spaces on which to play and exercise. Yards, parks and athletic fields not only promote a healthier lifestyle but contribute to economic growth, community development and benefit the environment. Key contributors to the initiative include the Dominion Foundation, Performance Nutrition and the Sports Turf Managers Association.

Learn more at ProjectEvergreen.org.