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The freshly landscaped gateway at San Francisco’s 8th and Harrison St. stands in sharp contrast to the area surrounding it. Facing a gas station and surrounded by nearly constant freeway traffic, the revitalized corridor springs with life: purple and yellow flowers blossom among newly planted cork oak trees and taller palms. A permanent sign welcomes visitors to South Beach.
On September 21, 2007, Oracle Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Judith Sim joined San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, representatives from the Department of Public Works, San Francisco Connect, and other Oracle employees to unveil the gateway.
It is the first location to be dedicated as part of the City’s efforts to revitalize gateway entrances and exits to the city through partnerships with the business community. Oracle provided a two-year Oracle Community Impact Grant of $125,000 to support the Gateway Program and adopt, beautify and maintain the 8th and Harrison entryway. The grant covered the entire revamping project, including landscaping, materials, signage and tree planting.
Oracle is the first company to work with the City on the Gateway Program, which Sim calls a “natural fit” with Oracle’s corporate citizenship initiative and goals. .“Oracle is committed to supporting our local community, both through donations and volunteer involvement,” she says.” This project and our continued volunteer support will benefit the neighborhood around Moscone Center, the place we call home during our Oracle OpenWorld conference.”
In addition to funding the project, Oracle volunteers will support SF Connect’s programs throughout the year. SF Connect partners with the City, its residents, nonprofit organizations and the business community to find solutions for the most pressing issues affecting the city, from the environment to homelessness. The first volunteer project, part of Oracle Global Volunteer Days took place on Saturday, September 22, 2007 as Oracle volunteers participated in clean up efforts around the 8th & Harrison location, including trash pickup and a neighborhood graffiti abatement projects.
“Corporate sponsorship is key to beautifying San Francisco,” says Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works. “[Oracle’s] support helps to advance the SF Connect program and enables City residents and visitors to reap the benefits of revitalized city entryways.” |
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