Local Initiatives
Commitment from the Heart
Staffers at a Virginia electric cooperative are finding ways to help make a difference in their communities by raising thousands of dollars for local causes.
Employees of Rappahannock Electric Co-op register guests for a golf tournament benefiting local charities. (Photo By: Rappahannock EC)
Employees of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative recently counted their 2011 donations to local projects, and the total topped $50,000. All of the projects were in the 22-county service territory of the Fredericksburg-based co-op. The money raised came from various events and activities co-op staffers supported or sponsored throughout the year.
“It’s not only the dollars contributed by the individuals at the cooperative that make an impact,” said Farrah McCoy, the co-op’s construction coordinator and president of Project Big Heart. “It’s also their personal involvement where they live and work.”
Co-op staffers formed Project Big Heart chapters at each of its district offices in the 1990s. Since the co-op’s service territory covers such a wide geographic area, that’s enabled them to support causes within their local communities.
“We’ve made significant contributions to the communities over the years,” said Ann Lewis, director of communications and public relations for Rappahannock EC. “Commitment to community is a strong motivation for what we do.”
More than 400 people work for the co-op. Staffers organize golf tournaments, chili cook-offs, raffles and other events. Then each chapter determines where donations should be made. Some of the money has supported American Red Cross projects; other funds have been used for scholarships or to support local charities.
After the co-op completed the acquisition of some of the Virginia assets of an investor-owned utility in 2010, employees launched the fourth chapter of Project Big Heart to cover the new service territory, said Lewis. “In their first year, they raised more than $6,000.”
Support for the program has always been voluntary, but many staffers have participated in projects since the organization was started nearly 20 years ago.
“As the Rappahannock EC work force changes over time, the organization is still successful,” said Rhonda F. Curtis, manager of cooperative communications. “That’s because our employees have a passion for giving.”
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