Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - The $50,000 donation will support COVID-19 recovery efforts across Pueblo County and a designated amount set aside to assist Canon City and Rocky Ford nonprofit organizations. Together, we fight to be responsive to short and long-term needs as they arise resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way of Pueblo County (UWPC) today announced it has received a $50,000 donation from Black Hills Energy for its Emergency Response and Recovery Fund to combat the COVID-19 crisis. UWPC established the fund to address the community’s most pressing immediate and long-term needs in partnership with local nonprofit agencies.
The $50,000 contribution, from Black Hills Energy and the company’s charitable arm, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, is the largest single gift the fund has received since its inception and will help supplement state and federal assistance in responding to the mounting crisis.
“United Way of Pueblo County is honored by this significant donation from Black Hills Energy, which has partnered with us consistently over the years to make positive impacts in our community,” said President/CEO Shanna M. Farmer. “Black Hills Energy’s generous financial commitment will provide a tremendous boost for our COVID-19 relief efforts and demonstrates Pueblo’s ability to unite in the face of crisis to overcome challenges together as a community.”
“Because Southern Colorado is our home too, we’re deeply committed to maintaining reliable electric service for our customers, while also supporting the COVID-19 response in Pueblo County and beyond,” said Vance Crocker, Black Hills Energy’s vice president for Southern Colorado. “We care greatly about the continued health and safety of our customers, employees and communities, and hope this contribution goes a long way to help those impacted here in Southern Colorado.”
All donations received through the fund will support local Emergency Response and Recovery efforts directly. Together, we fight to be responsive to short and long-term needs as they arise resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that our friends, neighbors, co-workers and those we may not know are in need. It is our hope to be able to not only fill short term gaps, but also support longer-term recovery efforts. UWPC will work diligently to ensure that these funds are distributed fairly and with full transparency and accountability. To donate, text PuebloStrong to 41444 or visit www.pueblounitedway.org/emergency-fund.
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About United Way of Pueblo County
United Way of Pueblo County works to develop donor resources to improve the quality of life for the people of Pueblo County. Last year, the more than 55 different health and human programs funded by United Way provided over 177,000 units of service to those in need. Over the past 97 years UWPC has raised over $48,000,000 in campaign funds alone. In addition to campaign fundraising, United Way also administers the El Pomar Community Problem Solving Fund, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and operates the United Way Middle School Mentoring Program and Pueblo Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Visit UWPC’s website for a complete listing of the many organizations who receive funding and to find out how you can help through giving or volunteering www.pueblounitedway.org and like us www.facebook.com/unitedwayofpueblocounty.