Paris, Tenn.–You may recall that in early January, the Paris Board of Public Utilities committed to match community donations up to $20,000 from January 4 to January 18 made to Helping Hand.
BPU President Terry Wimberley said, “Paris and Henry County stepped up to the challenge and raised over $20,000 well before the two-week period ended. Because TVA had initiated a second round of funding for the Community Care Fund, an additional $10,000 in local match funds for local power company communities like Paris and Henry County was provided. Combining the $20,000 from Paris BPU, $20,000 from the community and $10,000 from TVA, Helping Hand initially received $50,000 to kick-start their fundraising efforts.”
During those first two weeks,” Wimberley said, “we received daily reports as donations were coming in. Each day, as we saw the donations grow, I continued to be almost overwhelmed by the heart and spirit of giving in our community.”
Paris BPU’s involvement in Helping Hand 2021 didn’t stop on January 18th. Although the virtual auction was very different than years past, employees donated over 35 items to be auctioned off during the fourth week. In addition to monetary donations by Paris BPU employees, items donated by the utility’s employees brought in over $2,000.
“As part of our mission of service, Paris BPU is dedicated to giving back to our community,” said Wimberley. “Helping Hand impacts so many organizations in our community. I could not be prouder of our utility, our community and TVA for stepping up and having a big impact in Paris and Henry County.”
TVA launched the Community Care Fund in April of 2020 to address hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Care Fund provided matching grant funds to support and partner with Local Power Companies (LPCs) to meet needs in their communities. TVA anticipated the impacts of COVID-19 will continue to affect the Valley through Fiscal Year 2021. As a result, TVA added additional funding to the matching grant fund to be applied for by the LPCs.
“In the spirit of public power, we are honored to partner with local power companies to address the unprecedented challenges facing those we serve,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. “TVA has a mission of service to make life better for the people of the Valley and providing these funds to address immediate needs is one way we can help ease the burdens on families and communities.”
In all, despite the COVID pandemic, Helping Hand raised some $302,000 this year.
Photo: From left, Brian Smith of TVA; BPU Vice President Bethany Edwards; Helping Hand President Stacy Hayes; and Wimberley. (BPU photo).