At Odd Fellows Cemetery in Winston-Salem, N.C., a ton of lime was spread, an acre of turfgrass and 2,500 daffodils planted, and four yards of mulch spread. Volunteers cleared an acre of woodland brush and leaves. Litter was picked up over 13 acres and over 200 yards of debris were removed to be hauled away by the city.

Football and soccer team players from Winston Salem State University and Wake Forest University made small work of fallen trees cut to manageable lengths by a tree company, and of loading debris into steer loaders and two dump trucks provided by local businesses. About 75 stumps were removed.

On Feb. 22, 2014 the North Carolina Branch of the Professional Grounds Management Society, PGMS, joined nearly 200 volunteers including students, green industry professionals and others for a work day at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Winston-Salem, N.C. One participant drove all the way from Alabama. The historic African American cemetery entombs an estimated 10,000 "?u many born into slavery, others served our country's military, others simply forgotten. Having been abandoned, kudzu, brush and briers obscured headstones and deterred visitors.

The Friends of the Odd Fellows group sought advice on planting azaleas. This small group of dedicated volunteers has been organizing work days to restore the graveyard for several years. It was clear they were passionate but professional help was needed.

The project was proposed to the state branch in December, 2013 and was approved under the condition that David Davis, CGM, Wake Forest University, agree to be chairman. Based on having PGMS on board, along with confidence in a good local network of businesses and Wake Forest associates, Davis agreed.

Building the team and organizing the work was a bit like assembling the pieces of a puzzle, strategically placing key pieces and letting others fall into place. They really had a great team. Having the PGMS association office to manage the webpage was vital, lending credibility when soliciting donations and volunteers.

The synergy and enthusiasm of the volunteers was truly amazing. Surpassing lofty goals, 23 partners provided almost $10,000 in service, materials or money. Volunteers gave over 1,000 man hours of service. Rental companies provided power buggies, tents, tables, a generator, public address system, brush mowers and porta-potties. Mulch, lime, fertilizer, straw, grass seed, bulbs and lunch for 200 was all donated.

"This was by far the largest volunteer event that I have ever been a part of, and left me speechless," said Brandon Haley, CGM. "I was proud of what was accomplished, amazed at the fellowship and teamwork, and flat out impressed with the community involvement."