We’ve mentioned before that PG&E’s longstanding partnership with the San Francisco Giants has yielded many positive results over the years, from the installation of solar panels at AT&T Park to two popular Green Garlic Fries concession stands. These and other sustainability developments led to this April’s announcement that AT&T Park had attained LEED Silver Status, the first existing ballpark to achieve such an honor.
The promotional benefits that the PG&E receives as part of the Giants sponsorship have also provided wonderful opportunities to welcome the company’s community partners to join in the excitement of the Giants experience. Last Saturday, PG&E continued that tradition by inviting representatives from Paradise Intermediate School to be honored in a Home Plate Ceremony that opened the Giants vs. Mets game at AT&T Park. It was Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day at the ballpark and the stands were packed with eager fans excited about their new PG&E-branded bobbleheads.
During the Home Plate Ceremony, PG&E president Chris Johns presented Paradise Intermediate School teacher Greg Holman with the 2010 PG&E Solar Schools Inspirational Educator Award for his creative and dynamic approach to teaching the principles of renewable energy. They were accompanied by nine of Holman’s former students as well as Giants pitcher Barry Zito. Johns and Holman were each invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
With the support of PG&E’s Solar Schools program, Holman has helped to create a model solar curriculum at Paradise Intermediate School. In 2006, a 1.06 kilowatt photovoltaic system was installed through a PG&E Solar Schools grant which now helps to power the school’s library and computer lab. In 2007, the school was awarded a PG&E Bright Ideas grant, which was used to purchase solar ovens. Paradise Intermediate School students have become so inspired by a sense of environmental and social responsibility that they are now raising money to purchase solar ovens for schools in Africa.
This event at the ballpark illustrates the best kind of sponsorship, that which brings corporate, cultural and educational institutions together in order to do good works and share a positive message with the community. The game proved to be a memorable experience for all involved—the students and teachers from Paradise Intermediate received a thrilling on-field experience for all of their energy-saving efforts; PG&E leadership enjoyed a positive public appearance with excellent hospitality and branding; and the Giants beat the Mets for the third straight day, 8-4. All in all, it was a perfect day at AT&T Park.
