CPS Energy tees off United Way campaign to change kids’ lives
Annual golf tourney raises $130,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters
Many kids in our community have a bright future ahead, but some face adversity that puts their success in jeopardy. Denise Barkhurst, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas (BBBS), says these kids need one-to-one mentoring to help them make good choices.
“Without support and guidance, kids fall prey to dysfunctional cycles of academic failure, dropping out of school, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, incarceration, and poverty,” said Barkhurst. “Research proves that youth with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more likely to stay out of trouble, stay in school, and graduate.”
This year, CPS Energy chose to tee off our United Way campaign by supporting BBBS with proceeds from our annual CPS Energy IBEW Local 500 golf tournament. This month’s tourney, held at TPC San Antonio, put our People First initiative into action, raised $130,000.
“This funding will be life-changing for 118 youth!” said Barkhurst. “We will use it to provide a year of mentoring for each of them.”
The tourney brought together the community for a purpose along with some fun and fellowship. About 240 players and 50 volunteers offered support through corporate sponsorships, time, and hard work. More than 50 of our CPS Energy business partners sponsored and also participated in the tournament. Click here to see more photos from the tourney.
It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the Heart of the Community – this year’s United Way Campaign theme! Since 1998, we’ve shown our love for Greater San Antonio by raising funds for various United Way charities. Last year, we raised more than $1.12 million for United Way.
Caring for our community is central to CPS Energy’s People First culture. We live here, we work here, and we take pride in supporting our neighbors. Last year, our employees and family member provided more than 20,500 hours of volunteer service to local charities and non-profit organizations.
The same team spirit made our golf tournament a success. A shout-out to our tournament co-chairs Maria Garcia and Rudy Garza, IBEW Local 500 leadership, all of the tournament sponsors and prize donors, and especially lead sponsor Brace Integrated Services. The proceeds, and the partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, puts us in a great position to have another successful campaign this year and change kids’ lives.
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