Shana Daum fully appreciates the forum that the San Francisco Giants have to make a difference and lead change in the Bay Area and beyond.
“We bring people together,” says Daum, vice president of public affairs and community relations for the Giants. “When you look at the major companies who lead the way in philanthropic giving, they do a lot to support the community. But they don’t have the ability to bring 41,000 people to one gathering spot on a regular basis. We do.”
And as the Giants prepare for their 17th season at AT&T Park, Daum says players, coaches, front office personnel and employees at all levels of the organization will continue to find creative and inspired ways to give back to help others.
“We feel we have a responsibility to use the platform to raise awareness and educate our fans on issues that are important to the community,” he says.
Daum gives a lot of credit to Larry Baer, the Giants’ president and CEO, and Peter Magowan, the team’s former managing partner, for teaming up to make community service a priority in the organization.
“When they purchased the team, Peter’s philosophy was 100 percent player participation,” Daum says. “That’s our underlying goal. My focus is getting our players and coaches involved in the right opportunities that match their interests and what they feel comfortable doing.”
Baer adds that the 100 percent player participation rule has never been a problem with anyone on the team.
“If you’re not from the area, we’ll help you match up with a cancer organization or a Boys and Girls Club or a library or a human rights organization or a group that works with animals,” Baer says. “What we have found is that players see a real magic in taking their persona and making an impact.
