Duke Energy makes $15,000 gift to FAO
Duke Energy, a leading energy company located in the Americas with an affiliated real estate operation headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., recently announced a donation of $15,000 to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), a region community foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to foster access to opportunity for residents in the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio through the power of charitable giving.
“Duke Energy is pleased to assist the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in its efforts to create opportunities for families,” said Ron Cremeans, general manager of Midwest Generation Operations at Duke Energy.
The company has facilities in Washington and Lawrence counties, and serves much of southern Appalachian Ohio, including Clermont and Brown counties. Duke Energy has made donations to support the Foundation’s operational expenses since 2004 and also has supported various community initiatives and economic development opportunities throughout the region.
“The support of partners like Duke Energy enables the Foundation’s work to harness the power of charitable giving on behalf of our region,” said Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “This means scholarships for our region’s young people, grants that set powerful ideas into actions to make a difference, and the creation of permanent resources to support civic purposes in our communities today and far into the future.”
Since its founding in 1999, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has awarded more than $1.3 million in college scholarships and grants to non-profits and programs focused on improving quality of life. In 2005, the Foundation launched the I’m a Child of Appalachia® campaign to support access to educational opportunity in the region. The following year, the Foundation launched the I’m a Child of Appalachia Network (ICAN!), a group of individuals dedicated to helping FAO achieve its educational mission.
“The Foundation’s I’m a Child of Appalachia program shares stories of the region’s success and honors outstanding individuals who make a difference in their communities and the world,” Brook said. “The Foundation’s work to foster access to educational opportunity is about creating a collaborative environment in our region that encourages, supports and invests – with scholarships and other strategic grants – in our students’ success.”
Each year, the Foundation recognizes those who are proud of their Appalachian roots and authenticate the importance of educational opportunities to life, business and community achievement. The 2007 honorees are Senator John and Mrs. Annie Glenn, Muskingum County natives. Past honorees have included David Wilhelm of Athens, founder of Adena Ventures; Nancy Zimpher of Gallipolis, president of the University of Cincinnati; and the recently deceased Bob Evans of Gallia County, founder of Bob Evans Restaurants.
