For Immediate Release
Contact
Rachael Lighty
rachael.lighty@bge.com
Employee volunteers were honored today and the nonprofit organizations of their choice were presented with a contribution of up to $20,000
BALTIMORE (May 2, 2014) – In honor of the spirit of community service, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), along with parent company Exelon and sister company Constellation Energy, today honored six outstanding employee volunteers for the work they do in the community. The company presented the employees and their nonprofit organizations of choice with $55,000 in charitable contributions at the second annual Energy for the Community Volunteer Award luncheon. The Energy for the Community Volunteer Awards program is an expression of shared commitment to citizenship between employees and the company. The nonprofit organizations which received a grant of up to $20,000 each include:
"Whether it’s through employee volunteer opportunities or charitable giving, BGE is proud to have a long history of empowering our employees to volunteer with organizations that have a positive impact on communities throughout central Maryland," said Calvin G. Butler Jr., chief executive officer for BGE. "The BGE employees honored today truly embody the spirit of community service and they are a testament that our commitment extends well beyond keeping the lights on. I admire their passion and dedication and I applaud them for their commitment to giving back to our customers and the communities in which our employees live and work."
In 2013 alone, BGE employees, friends and family logged more than 25,000 hours volunteering with more than 135 different community organizations. Equivalent to 12 years of full-time service, these volunteer efforts offer BGE’s nonprofit partners the opportunity to reinvest resources and better serve communities throughout central Maryland. BGE employees also participate as board members for 124 local nonprofits. Providing personal and professional experience, BGE executives and staff members share their skills in building stronger organizations to serve the community.
About the BGE Employee Volunteer Award Recipients:
Christopher A. Burton, vice president, BGE – Boy Scouts of America – Baltimore Area Council
Chris Burton is a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America – Baltimore Area Council and has gradually increased his volunteer activity over the past several years. Burton volunteered 500 hours in 2013 and served on a number of committees, where he supervised events and even mentored Eagle Scouts. Burton recently became chair of the BAC STEM committee, allowing his professional experience to directly benefit the scouts. In his new role, Burton has provided visual teaching aids for the Boy Scouts to use in order to keep them engaged in the learning process. He actively recruits his BGE colleagues to also volunteer and help explain the importance of STEM education and careers. The grant will be directed towards additional STEM education outreach.
"The Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America has a more than 100-year history and that’s largely due to a tremendous, dedicated core of volunteers," said Brian Steger, scout executive and chief executive officer of the Boy Scouts of America Baltimore Area Council. "Chris is one of those volunteers that gives unselfishly of his time, his talent and his treasure to ensure that a quality scouting program is available for the young people in his community. We’re fortunate to call him one of our volunteers, and this community is fortunate to call him one of its citizens."
Richard Davis, electric system operator, BGE – Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company
Richard Davis has been a volunteer with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company for 25 years and currently serves as the assistant fire chief. Davis has responded to approximately 20,000 fire calls and 5,000 EMS calls. The son of a fire chief, Davis began volunteering at the age of 16 and is consistently a top responder, averaging more than 700 calls per year. As the assistant chief, he volunteered 1,000 hours last year. Davis has extensive training in the fields of fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials, rescue operations and command leadership. Davis’ responsibilities include company level operations, personnel management, the fire company’s budget and the oversight of two other fire substations. His actions throughout the years have saved countless lives, as well as millions of dollars in property.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize Rick and we are excited that he received the award," said Chief Eddie Hopkins, Fire Chief, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. "Given the number of hours he has contributed to the volunteer fire service and the fact that Exelon and BGE recognize that, it’s just overwhelming to me as a fire chief to have that type of support. I appreciate everything Rick does for us and in service to his County. Exelon and BGE’s support of him, allows us to provide continued support and excellence to the citizens of Bel Air."
Kevin Marron, lead facility coordinator, BGE – Parkville Recreation Council and the Under 21 Drop In Center
Kevin Marron has become a mentor and a trusted friend to youth throughout Baltimore County as a result of his volunteer activity with the Parkville Recreation Council and the Under 21 Drop In Center. Marron is the director of youth sports at the Parkville Recreation Council and created the Drop In Center as a vehicle to help children build relationships while playing soccer. In addition to
making sure local children have a safe place to participate in sporting events, Marron also administers the Parkville Recreation Council Scholarship Board. The program, now in its twentieth year, offers scholarship assistance for teens that participate in the Parkville Recreation Council activities. Last year, 30 teens received much-needed scholarships.
"The Parkville Recreation Council will be able to put this grant directly toward the different options that we offer to the children and youth of the Parkville community," said Angie Thuman, Parkville Recreation Council. "Through this grant, we will be able to again award scholarships to graduating seniors that have participated in Parkville recreational programs and provide free community events, such as our breakfast with Santa and our Easter Egg hunt. Kevin created the Drop In Center and is a vital part of providing this free program for teens on Friday nights. We are so lucky to have a volunteer like Kevin, who continues to actively participate and be involved in this community."
Since its founding nearly 200 years ago, BGE has played an integral role in working with Maryland communities to address economic development, public safety, civic issues and other initiatives that help enhance our neighborhoods. Through the use of shareholder dollars, BGE supports programs that deliver measurable and sustainable impact in areas of education, the environment, community development and arts and culture.
BGE’s corporate citizenship aligns with that of its parent company, Exelon Corporation. As part of Exelon’s merger in March 2012, Exelon and its subsidiaries have committed to maintain charitable giving of an average of $7 million per year in Maryland, including BGE’s service area, for the next 10 years. Exelon will be granting employee volunteer awards in Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore for a total of $145,000.
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BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.