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The Pest Management Foundation (PMF) announced the founding donors to its new Legacy Fund, established earlier this year through a landmark $1 million commitment from the Gary W. Rollins Foundation.
A distinguished group of industry companies and individuals has stepped forward as the first contributors to the fund, collectively committing more than $115,000 — and triggering a dollar-for-dollar match from the Gary W. Rollins Foundation on every dollar raised. Rollins is executive chairman emeritus of Atlanta, Ga.-based Rollins Inc., and is a Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer (Class of 2012).
The PMF Legacy Fund represents a milestone in the Foundation’s 65-year history of supporting the pest management industry. Once it reaches the fundraising goal of $2 million, the Fund will provide $100,000 each year to exclusively support applied pest control research. The Gary W. Rollins Foundation’s $1 million commitment is structured as $500,000 upfront and $500,000 in matching funds available to the pest management community — meaning every contribution made to the Legacy Fund is matched dollar for dollar, up to $500,000.
Founding Donors to the PMF Legacy Fund
Arrow Exterminators — $50,000
Moxie Pest Control — $25,000
John & Susie Myers — $25,000
Pest Management Systems Inc. — $10,000
Plunkett’s Pest Control — $5,000
“We are incredibly grateful to our founding donors for their generosity and their confidence in the PMF Legacy Fund,” PMF Chair Tim Pollard said in a news release. “They are setting the standard for what industry leadership looks like. With the Gary W. Rollins Foundation matching every dollar raised, there has never been a better time to make your contribution go further. We encourage every company and individual in the pest management community to see their names on this list.”
Legacy Fund fundraising event
The Pest Management Foundation will host its first Legacy Fund fundraising event at Savannah’s Service Brewing on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as part of NPMA’s Executive Leadership Forum. A minimum $100 donation is requested to attend, and thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, every dollar is instantly doubled. The first 100 attendees receive a souvenir Legacy Lager can and pint glass.
PMF establishes Graycen Vargo Excellence Award
In addition, the Foundation has established the Graycen Vargo Excellence Award to honor the life and legacy of the son of Dawnery Vargo, COO of industry manufacturer VM Products.
As the official award page notes, “Graycen lived with an unmatched momentum. He brought energy and purpose into everything he did, especially athletics, where his competitive spirit and determination elevated those around him. While he was known for his resilience and refusal to back down from a challenge on the field, Graycen’s strength was not limited to his athleticism. It showed in his consistency, loyalty and the way he showed up for the people he loved. This scholarship, made possible through generous contributions of those impacted by Graycen, will support students who share Graycen’s passions, values and his planned pursuits in life.”
For those who wish to donate via check, donations can be made out to the Pest Management Foundation using the instructions provided below:
Checks should be made out to: The Pest Management Foundation
Mail check donations to:
Pest Management Foundation
10460 North St., Fairfax, VA, 22030
Checks must include “Graycen Vargo Excellence Award” in the memo line.
