'Powered by Barancik Foundation' initiative launches

On April 30, the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation launched a pilot of its "Powered by Barancik Foundation" Solar and Conservation Initiative at Girls Inc. of Sarasota. The initiative involves the installation of a large solar energy system and the creation of an environmental education curriculum at the youth-serving nonprofit. Guests at the celebration included Chuck and Margery Barancik, local elected officials, Sarasota County Schools representatives, staffers involved in sustainability and parks for the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders.

Barancik Foundation president and CEO Teri A Hansen welcomed the guests and explained the background and goals of the initiative. "When we approached Girls Inc., we asked them three things and they said, 'Absolutely, yes!'" said Hansen. "First was to create a model of renewable energy. Second was to create a curriculum about energy conservation and environmental sustainability, since the girls are the energy consumers of our future. Finally, to create new financial resources through lowered energy bills. Now it is all coming together!"

Girls Inc. executive director Angie Stringer discussed how the girls enrolled at Girls Inc. will be taking ownership of the greening of the facility and thanked all involved for selecting Girls Inc. for the pilot.

"This isn't only going to be money saving and energy saving for us," said Stringer. "We already have the curriculum in place, the girls have already started learning - we're so thankful to be a part of this!" She also noted that the organization is excited to share insights on the program with other area nonprofits as well as the national Girls Inc., which has indicated it is interested in picking up the curriculum at the national level.

Girls Inc. is an ideal pilot partner because its facility has a large flat roof, which is ideal for solar, and more than 300 youth come through the facility every year to participate in the organization’s educational and character-building programs.

During the launch event, fifth graders Kylie, mayor of the Girls Inc. "Dream Harbor," a micro-society in which students create and run a miniature society within the afterschool program, and Zhenasia, Dream Harbor's newly-elected sustainability commissioner, each said a few words. Zhenasia noted that the Solar and Conservation Initiative will be integrated into every aspect of what they do at Girls Inc., including recycling programs for materials and water, the repurposing of used items into jewelry and art, and plans for programmable LED lighting.

After children enrolled in the program sang "Here Comes the Sun," the guests moved outside for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to formally launch the initiative.

In the fall of 2017, Barancik Foundation awarded nearly $445,000 to cover the cost of the solar energy system equipment and installation by local solar contractor Brilliant Harvest. The solar array includes 564 panels covering nearly 12,000 square feet of the roof and will produce an average of 24,500 kWh per month. It is estimated to save Girls Inc. more than $200,000 in utility expenses in 10 years or less, freeing resources for additional programming. Additionally, the hundreds of youth served each year by Girls Inc. will benefit from the environmental education.

Recently, Barancik Foundation awarded a $2 million grant to “Power” Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ sustainability and greening focused master plan. A centerpiece of the master plan is the environmental aspects of the Sky Garden, with virtually every inch incorporating sustainability education and clean energy “Powered by Barancik Foundation.” The Sky Garden includes a 20,000 square-foot advanced solar array structure; storm water management facility for irrigation and other reuses; green walls and roofs to instill beauty and create shade; and an urban food garden for garden-to-table use by the restaurant.

PHOTO ID: Present at the ribbon-cutting were (l-r) Girls Inc. executive director Angie Stringer, Margery and Chuck Barancik, Barancik Foundation president and CEO Teri A Hansen, and Brilliant Harvest founder and president Bill Johnson
Photo by Sharon Kunkel / Wordslinger Marketing & PR

About Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. The Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For further information, please contact Kelly Romanoff at KRomanoff@BarancikFoundation.org.