ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.,
Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/
-- Duke Energy is energizing its Florida communities with more than power. In
2018, the company invested more than $3
million in Sunshine State
nonprofit organizations. In addition, company employees volunteered
more than 20,000 hours of their time through multiple nonprofit
projects.
The grants were awarded by the Duke Energy Foundation, which
provides philanthropic support to meet critical community needs
through its Powerful Communities program. The program funds
community impact initiatives focused on K-12 education, nature,
workforce and economic development.
"Philanthropic giving and volunteerism are part of our DNA at
Duke Energy and we're proud to support organizations in our
backyard," said Catherine Stempien,
Duke Energy Florida president. "Our Foundation funds organizations
that provide vital services and strengthen our neighborhoods.
Simultaneously, Duke Energy Florida employees – in addition to
serving our customers daily by providing and restoring critical
energy services – also give generously and compassionately by
volunteering throughout the year in the same communities in which
they work and live."
Florida's 2018 grant recipients
included organizations from across the state: United Arts of
Central Florida, Franklin's
Promise Coalition, Bok Tower Gardens, Audubon Center for Birds of
Prey, Orlando Science Center, 29 education foundations supporting
schools and dozens of others.
Funded programs provided science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM)-focused after-school classes for underserved elementary
and middle school students; supported access to arts and culture
for low-income and underserved communities; and focused on
conservation initiatives.
The company also partnered with the Tampa Bay Rays on its
Victories for Veterans program for the third consecutive year,
donating $90,000 through the Duke
Energy Foundation to charities that support veterans across the
state.
The Duke Energy Foundation also responded to emergent needs that
arose in 2018, including $250,000 to
assist communities, customers and neighbors impacted by Hurricane
Michael. The funds were distributed through 20 state, regional and
city governments and organizations, including Volunteer Florida,
Franklin's Promise Coalition, Hillside Laborers, Mexico Beach First
Baptist Church, Christian Community Development Funds and Coastal
Song Writers.
The foundation also contributed $25,000 to assist displaced families during north
Florida's Eastpoint wildfire rebuilding efforts in
June.
"Duke Energy's continued funding for United Arts' Diversity
Grants and Diversity Initiatives has been hugely impactful in the
central Florida cultural sector,
making the arts accessible to all in our community," said
Flora Maria Garcia, president and
CEO of United Arts of Central
Florida. "This funding has significantly moved the needle
across Lake, Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties by encouraging cultural
organizations to create exciting, innovative and culturally diverse
programming that appeals to diverse audiences."
Employee Volunteerism
While Duke Energy's financial support solidifies its commitment
to the communities it serves, Florida employees have also rolled up their
sleeves to help their neighbors. Last year, employees volunteered
more than 20,000 hours in their communities.
During Duke Energy In Action Month in May
2018, more than 975 Florida employees volunteered over 5,000
hours in 62 events across the state. A wrap-up video
is available here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMwcHboEnyQ
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to
address the needs of communities where its customers live and work.
The Foundation contributes more than $30
million annually in charitable gifts. More information about
the Duke Energy Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can
be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
The Duke Energy Foundation is solely funded by Duke Energy
Corporation (NYSE: DUK) shareholder dollars.
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding
companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a
generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is
transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy
grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas
infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and
communities it serves.
A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018
"World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's
Best Employers" list.
More information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news
releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke
Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations,
community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on
Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact: Peveeta Persaud
Office: 727.820.5592 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_PeveetaP
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SOURCE Duke Energy