Masons of California Make a Three-Year, $650,000 Pledge to the Giants Community Fund
July 10 2024 - 1:29PM
Building on more than 15 years of collaboration, the Masons of
California are teaming up with the Giants Community Fund in a new
way - with the largest pledge ever given by a foundation to the
Giants Community Fund. Over the next three years, the California
Masons are committing $650,000 in support of a variety of community
programs aimed at championing local youth, including Junior Giants,
Junior Giants Schools and the Giants Community Fund Academy
programs.
"Giving back to the community is fundamental to Freemasonry,”
said Doug Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation.
“The Giants Community Fund has been a long-time partner of the
Masons of California, and we are honored to continue supporting
their mission while expanding their programs to bring educational
and leadership opportunities to more youth.”
This three-year pledge
supports three distinct programs:
- Junior Giants:
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Junior Giants is a free, coed and
noncompetitive baseball and softball program for youth of all skill
levels and backgrounds in underserved communities. Beyond learning
the fundamentals of the game, youth are introduced to important
lessons in health, education, bullying prevention and character
development throughout the eight-week program. Since 2009, the
Masons have facilitated Masons4Mitts - an annual fundraising effort
that has provided more than 59,000 leather baseball mitts to Junior
Giants throughout Northern California. This new commitment for
2024-2026 establishes the Masons as the Mitt Champion of the Giants
Community Fund.
- Junior Giants
Schools: This initiative brings free, activity-based
programs directly to youth via in-school physical education classes
and after-school programs, making baseball more accessible than
ever. The increased funding will help expand the program to reach
more children whose socioeconomic situations may prohibit them from
participating in sports programs.
- Giants Community Fund Academy
Programs: The Masons’ pledge will fund
the addition of a structured career and technical education (CTE)
component to the Giants Community Fund Academy Programs, an effort
with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and San
Francisco Unified School District designed to support San
Francisco’s under-resourced communities. Over the next three years,
a special CTE session for Academy baseball and softball players
will be added with the goal of addressing the perception gap that
exists between students and pathways to CTE career options.
"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Masons of
California,” said Sue Petersen, Executive Director of the Giants
Community Fund. “With this historic gift, the Masons continue to be
pivotal in helping us impact thousands of young lives across
Northern California.”
In recognition of their partnership, the Giants Community Fund
is hosting a special celebration during the Giants vs. Blue Jays
game on Wednesday, July 10. Among those in
attendance will be:
G. Sean Metroka, Grand Master,
Masons of California Douglas Ismail, President,
California Masonic FoundationAlexander Teodoro and Mark
McNee, Board Members, California Masonic
FoundationLarry Baer, President & CEO, San
Francisco GiantsSue Petersen, Executive Director,
Giants Community FundJuliet Don, Co-Chair, Giants
Community Fund Board John Gumas, Former Chairman,
Giants Community Fund Board
This partnership with the Giants Community Fund is one of
several ways the California Masons support youth education and
development. Other philanthropic endeavors include: the partnership
with Raising A Reader to bring literacy programs to under-resourced
elementary schools; the Investment in Success scholarship program
for high school seniors who demonstrate extraordinary potential
despite difficult circumstances; and the partnership with the San
Diego Padres through the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship program -
supporting first-generation, underserved high school seniors.
About the Masons of CaliforniaFreemasonry is
the world’s first and largest fraternal organization, guided by the
enduring belief that everyone has the responsibility to make the
world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and
strengthened the character of its members by providing
opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for
truth—within themselves and the larger world. Through Freemasonry,
we make true friends, improve ourselves, and make a positive impact
on our communities. The Masons of California have more than 38,000
members and more than 330 lodges located throughout the state. The
California Masonic Foundation is committed to making a profound
difference in our local community, and touches the lives of
thousands of Californians each year. Learn more at freemason.org
and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
About the Giants
Community FundThe Giants Community Fund uses baseball and
softball to promote health, education and character development to
propel youth in underserved regions to be positive forces in their
communities. The Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is managed by a
volunteer Board of Directors and sustained by contributions from
individuals, businesses and foundations through a number of special
partnerships and fundraisers. Since its inception in 1991, the
Fund has donated $44 million to community efforts and has served
435,000 youth. For additional information on the Giants Community
Fund, visit giantscommunityfund.org and follow on social media
- X | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn.
MEDIA
CONTACTS:MASONS: Sophie Booth
sophie@ideahall.com | (562) 230-3051GIANTS COMMUNITY
FUND: Chrissy Camilleri
ccamilleri@sfgiants.com | (415) 972-2434