This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell’s Padres Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Today marks the start of the Padres' annual Holiday Giving Tour, as the team will spend the next several weeks supporting local organizations that give back to underserved communities in the area.
It begins with a Turkey Distribution to 1,000 families, in which the Padres will distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving items in conjunction with Northgate Market and the San Diego Food Bank. Among those on hand will be righty Jeremiah Estrada, broadcaster Mark Grant and CEO Erik Greupner.
The Holiday Giving Tour continues throughout the month -- throughout San Diego and the Baja region. The Padres' legacy of giving back is one the organization has always taken seriously. And it's a legacy that beloved late owner Peter Seidler furthered immensely.
Seidler would've turned 64 earlier this month. On his birthday, the team honored Seidler perfectly -- by supporting the cause that was so close to his heart.
Seidler worked tirelessly to tackle homelessness in the community through various foundations, both tied to the Padres and otherwise.
So, for Seidler's birthday on Nov. 7, the Padres front office employees put together care packages that they proceeded to distribute to a handful of homeless-focused charities in San Diego.
"We're trying to honor him today by supporting several local organizations that minister to the needs of the unhoused, which was a cause that was near and dear to Peter's heart," said Greupner, in a video the Padres posted honoring Seidler. "He spent a lot of time and resources devoted to that. So we want to carry on his legacy and tradition -- not only this year but for the years to come, to continue to do the things that Peter did to help support the most vulnerable in our community."
Seidler supported and spearheaded several organizations seeking solutions to homelessness and was on the city of San Diego’s leadership council for its homelessness reduction plan. He was named 2022 San Diegan of the Year by The San Diego Union-Tribune and he was honored with the 2023 Herb Klein Spirit of San Diego Award by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Since Seidler’s passing last November, the Padres have furthered his endeavors with the Peter Seidler Legacy Fund. You can donate here.