Earthrise Energy RISE Grant to Help Build Tee Ball Field of Dreams in Ford County

Earthrise Energy recently awarded Gibson City Youth Baseball a $10,000 RISE Grant to give tee-ballers a home-field advantage. The community grant will be used to enlarge and resurface the tee-ball field in Lowry Park in Gibson City, giving children a better playing field and providing another field for other teams to practice on.

“Earthrise hit a grand slam for the youth of Gibson City with this grant,” said Pete Hornstein, president of the Gibson City Youth Baseball. “This funding will help enhance our facility, but more importantly, it will give area kids more opportunity to get out into the sunshine, get some exercise, and learn about teamwork and discipline on the playing field of life.”

As a leading energy provider in Illinois, Earthrise Energy owns and operates five natural gas plants, including the Gibson City Energy Center in Gibson City, Shelby County Energy Center in Neoga, and the Tilton Energy power plant in Tilton in central Illinois. The company is also building a 135-megawatt solar facility in McLean County and proposing to build several other solar projects including the Gibson City Energy Center – Solar 2, a 135-megawatt solar project in Drummer Township.

The company launched its RISE Grant program to help fund local initiatives that promote excellence in education, protect the environment, and support the communities where it operates. Since then, the company has given more than $400,000 in grants, sponsorships, and other giving to support initiatives and encourage civic life in these communities.

“Growing up, playing sports taught me a number of invaluable lessons that shaped who I am today,” said Earthrise Energy Project Developer Ellie Ginis. “So, when I heard about the opportunity to support local youth in Ford County with a new tee ball field, I was thrilled. Hearing Pete talk about the program and how it positively impacts so many children, I knew we had to support these improvements.”

Emre Ozmen, Director of Development at Earthrise Energy, added: “My love for baseball began on the tee ball field. Tee ball is a fantastic way to introduce kids to America’s favorite pastime, and for me sparked a lifelong passion that culminated in me hitting for the fences for my high school team. I am very happy that we can help create a safer and better playing field for kids to play.”