Surf Internet turned up to Four Winds Field on August 28 to cheer on the South Bend Cubs in an exciting game against the Great Lakes Loons. The fiber-optic internet service provider had its local team out in force to provide giveaways to the first 1,000 fans, as well as to connect the community with the work the provider does.
As a local organization based out of Elkhart, Surf Internet and its employees like to be as involved in the Michiana community as they can. This annual sponsor night is just one way to help the team meet new people in the area, connecting potential customers with the provider.
"For me personally, I love coming out and meeting our customers," Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet, said. "I probably saw over 20 customers while handing out bobbleheads. It's a great way to be involved in the community and to see our customers and future customers. It's a great opportunity for our team to get involved. We have about 15 to 20 team members here tonight serving and handing out bobbleheads."
To kick off the night, Surf Internet employees awarded the first 1,000 fans through the gates with a free Adbert Alzolay bobblehead. In addition to being a fun way to commemorate the game, the bobblehead giveaway gave employees the opportunity to chat with attendees and answer questions about fiber internet.
"This is America. It's baseball and hotdogs, and that's what Surf Internet is," said Crusie. "We're a homegrown business and we're trying to transform the world through fiber-optic broadband. What I would like for people to take away is that we're their neighbors. We're here, we're giving away bobbleheads, and we're being a part of the community. They can choose to do business with some of the big internet providers, or they can do business with somebody who lives, works, and plays right in their own community."
Being a local business, Surf Internet works with various businesses, organizations, and nonprofits throughout Michiana to create a big impact. For game night, Surf Internet partnered with the South Bend Cubs to raffle off an $800+ VIP package that included 16 tickets to a Cubs game, four parking passes, $300 in Cubs Cash for concessions, and a bevy of Surf Internet swag.
"We reached out to Surf Internet to see if this would be something they'd be interested in doing. For us, these things like bobbleheads have life to them, so to speak," South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. "We're always looking for unique promotions that we can put our corporate partners on that'll be sitting around for people to see. Last year they did pint glasses. This year we wanted to reach out to them, and they certainly took up the opportunity to do the bobbleheads."
Throwing the first pitch was Lily Morris, a high schooler with Down syndrome and the daughter of Surf Internet Regional Development Manager Jim Morris.
Thanks to the flexibility offered to Surf Internet employees and support from the Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group (DSFSAG), more commonly known as Michiana Down Syndrome, Jim Morris has been able to provide his daughter with the same opportunities as her peers.
"I was nervous, but I did really well," said Lily Morris.
"We were invited by Surf Internet, along with the Morris family, to watch one of our very special people in our group, Lily Morris, throw the first pitch to the wonderful South Bend Cubs," said Cheryl Speheger, president of Michiana Down Syndrome.
At the end of the day, whether it’s spreading the news about fiber internet, giving away bobbleheads, or just engaging with the community, Surf Internet is just happy to see its employees, customers, and friends enjoying a night of baseball.
"I love it. I love to see when our partners are out here because part of what we do is help promote that business," said Hart. "It's great when we do that and put their videos up on the video board or PA announcements. There's a special connection when their employees are here and have the opportunity to interact with our fans."
To learn more about Surf Internet or to check the availability of fiber in your area, visit surfinternet.com.
