On April 12, 2024, under cloudy skies, the Illinois Valley witnessed a community united as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley unveiled their new solar panel installation. Supported by our dedicated Club members and esteemed guests, this event marked a significant step towards a sustainable future. Largely funded by Pacific Power’s Blue Sky participants, the celebration highlighted the power of collaboration and community partnership.
As the panels have been quietly generating energy since December 2023 – saving over 20,360 lbs of CO2 emissions (equivalent to planting 154 trees!), the event, attended by Board Members, community leaders, and Pacific Power representatives, featured a ceremonial “switch-on” of the panels, symbolizing progress towards sustainability. Throughout the day, attendees and Club members engaged in solar-powered STEAM activities assisted by Pacific Power representatives, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm among youth. Guests also enjoyed lunch by Taylor’s Sausage and live music by Bill Smaw.
In harnessing solar energy, Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley illuminates the path to a brighter future. This initiative not only underscores the commitment to environmental stewardship, but has also freed up additional funding for youth programming, including hands-on learning opportunities through renewable energy STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) projects.
Greg Roe, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, expressed gratitude, stating, “Pacific Power has been a longstanding ally in our mission, and their unwavering support for our solar power projects and youth STEAM programs has truly been transformative for our kids. We are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of our community.”
In addition to powering the Illinois Valley community with clean energy, the Kerby location of Boys & Girls Club has been designated as a Pacific Power Customer Resource Center and Red Cross Shelter in emergency situations, further enhancing its role as a pillar of community resilience.
The Blue Sky Community Project award provided the majority of the funding for the installation, with additional support from Energy Trust of Oregon, Roundhouse Foundation, and True South Solar, showcasing a collaborative effort towards sustainability and community empowerment. In 2020, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley’s Grants Pass Clubhouse was awarded Blue Sky Program funding for a solar panel project, and has saved over 510,242 lbs of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 3,856 trees.Top of Form