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Donation totals more than $90,000
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Through the Victories for Veterans program, a unique partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Duke Energy Foundation committed $1,000 for every Rays win this season to charities that support veterans in the community.
In reviewing the submissions from area nonprofits for the program’s funds, Duke Energy has increased its pledge to $90,600 to be distributed to 10 local nonprofit organizations.
“Serving our communities is an integral part of Duke Energy’s culture and we are especially honored to help support our veterans through employee volunteer events, by actively hiring veterans -- we employ nearly 2,000 veterans at Duke Energy -- and through initiatives like this,” said Alex Glenn, state president, Duke Energy – Florida. “The organizations that are benefiting from the ‘Victories for Veterans’ program offer invaluable services to local veterans and we are proud to invest in them.”
The organizations were recognized before the last home game of the season on Sunday, Sept. 25, with an on-field check presentation by Duke Energy and Tampa Bay Rays representatives.
“Veterans, military personnel and their families are an important part of the Tampa Bay community,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “The Rays, along with Duke Energy, are proud to recognize these organizations and their dedication to programs that support our veterans.”
Recipient organizations and their veteran-focused programs include:
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CareerSource Pasco Hernando: to implement electronic record-keeping procedures, helping veterans maintain vital records
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Homeless Emergency Project (HEP): to support HEP West Veterans Housing and veterans services to assist with rehabilitation and reintegration into civilian life
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K9 Partners for Patriots: to support canine experiences and training for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries
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Metropolitan Ministries: to help provide basic needs of veterans including meals and workforce development opportunities
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ServiceSource Florida: to provide home-starter kits for veterans securing housing
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St. Petersburg College (SPC) Foundation, Inc.: to support the Veterans Bridge Fund that assists SPC veteran students with mitigating enrollment delays and gaps caused by veteran’s affairs funding
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Suncoast Hospice Foundation: to develop the Veterans History Project and support veteran-to-veteran pinning ceremonies
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The Friends of the Largo Nature Parks: to support the Avian Veteran Alliance that provides PTSD support
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Worknet Pinellas, Inc.: to host employability workshops and other workforce development opportunities for veterans
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Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch: to help get injured veterans out and active again with the use of transportation methods, such as wheelchairs
About Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida owns and operates a diverse generation mix, including renewables, providing about 9,100 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.7 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area.
With its Florida regional headquarters located in St. Petersburg, Fla., Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.
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The Tampa Bay Rays mission is to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. The organization is committed to building a strong community bond through meaningful interactions and charitable donations, and has proudly represented Major League Baseball since 1998.
Contact: Peveeta Persaud
Twitter: @DE_PeveetaP