HANCOCK COUNTY CLARION (June 30, 2021)
Earlier this year Big Rivers Electric Corporation started the process to decommission the Coleman power plant outside of Hawesville. The plant contained many valuable items, and the company decided to hold an auction for plant employees and let them purchase the items.
To the company’s surprise, the auction raised $40,000. The company decided to donate the money to worthy organizations in Hancock County.
“As a cooperative, we are owned by the community,” President and CEO of Big Rivers Bob Berry said. “We try to give back to the community.”
The company contacted Hancock County Judge/Executive Chic Roberts and asked him if he knew of any organizations that needed help. Roberts told him about Hancock County Repair Affair, and the Shelter Supporters of Hancock County. Big Rivers split the money between the two agencies, with each organization receiving $20,000.
“Words cannot express my appreciation for what they have done for Repair Affair and the community,” Repair Affair Director Allen Kennedy said. “There are a lot of people in need.”
Repair Affair relies upon volunteers to perform the various projects the organization does each year. The donation allows the organization to purchase the supplies and materials needed for the various repair projects.
“It is a blessing to me to receive this money,” Kennedy said.
Blaine Mathew, representing United Way, spoke of the importance of Repair Affair in Hancock County, and the great work it does to better the lives of the community.
“United Way believes in organizations like Repair Affair for the work they do in the community,” Mathew said. “They truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Galena Murphy accepted the $20,000 donation from Big Rivers on behalf of the Shelter Supporters of Hancock County. Fiscal court holds the final say over how the organization spends its money, but the shelter supporters hope to use it to construct a quarantine area at the shelter.
“We are hoping to do more with this nice big check,” Murphy said.
The $20,000 given to each organization helps each organization to fulfill its mission in the county. The donation from Big Rivers pleased Judge Roberts.
“We are thankful for this generous donation from Big Rivers,” Roberts said. “Both of these non-profit organizations do impactful work for our community and this money is greatly appreciated.”
