Even before I started The Landscape Architect back in ’85, I was a CLASS Fund member and working on the brochure for the organization. Back when I was sales manager for Western Landscaping News, we put together a trade show called the National Interior Landscape Expo (or the NILE Show) that attracted several hundred of the local bigwigs, including a fledgling organization…the CLASS Fund.

The purpose was and still is to bring together landscape contractors, architects and suppliers to promote the professionalism of the business, while encouraging and training students in their quest to join the industry. In those early years, many of the leaders of the profession in Southern California were members: Paul, Sullivan, Hogan, Cathcart, Cardoza, Temple, Hourian, Ahlers, Sawyer, Bowden…oh man…I’m going to get in trouble now for leaving out a dozen or so…but these pros were all successful in their field, very busy with their firms and companies yet willing to donate enormous amounts of time and money to the Fund…

In the first 10 years or so, the CLASS Fund raised more than a half-million dollars, which was turned into a perpetual fund that doles out tens of thousands of dollars every year for student scholarships and activities.

Over the past couple of years some of the original founders have passed on to that big landscape in the sky, others have left the area. I seem to have become too busy to do much more than keep my membership, but many have kept the flame afire…

Just last week I rekindled my fire by joining the group in the 23rd Annual CLIC/CLASS Fund Golf Tournament. How great it was to see so many of the original crew and so many new faces supporting the cause, while keeping the fun spirit of the CLASS Fund alive and well.

It reminded me of the importance of giving back and getting involved…This is a great industry, with great people who make an important impact on society…We all need to remember that part of what makes this industry so great is the fellowship, camaraderie and willingness of the established to lift up the newbies.

Obviously, the CLASS Fund is not the only group out there supporting the industry and giving back. If you are a part of a group, be it a chapter of your state landscape contractors association or some other independent group, we’d like to hear your story and chip in if possible. Please take a minute or two and let us know what you are doing to give back…But even more important …spend some time getting involved and giving back. It is always a good idea …