Chester, VA – Columbia Gas of Virginia is partnering with four local organizations to continue its commitment to building strong communities in the Commonwealth. In total, Columbia Gas recently donated $129,000 to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Urban League of Greater Richmond, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Richmond and Oasis Social Ministry in Portsmouth.
“These four organizations play pivotal roles in Virginia in key areas such as economic and workforce development; opportunity creation for underserved communities for economic empowerment, education and civic advocacy and engagement; and alleviating food insecurity and hunger,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia’s President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “In addition to providing an essential energy service, Columbia Gas of Virginia is proud to give our time, talent and resources to help them carry out their critically important missions.”
The $50,000 investment in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation will support efforts in economic development to help Virginia maintain its ranking as a top-tier state for business and more.
“We are grateful for Jennifer’s commitment to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the welfare of Virginia’s business climate,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber. “I look forward to partnering with her and the Columbia Gas team in our work to keep the Commonwealth as a top state to do business.”
For the Urban League of Greater Richmond, the donation of $30,000 supports the creation of the Columbia Gas Youth Ambassador Program within select areas of the greater Richmond footprint, as the organization continues to promote economic empowerment opportunities to the communities it serves.
"This Ambassador Program expands participants' knowledge of the energy industry. In a sense, it's a new frontier for them to learn about energy creation, use and conservation while engaging with various levels of leadership through seminars, workshops and paid internship opportunities,” said Larry Murphy, Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Richmond. “Also, the energy industry offers higher wages than many other industries and this program introduces an alternate career option to participants. The Columbia Gas of Virginia Ambassador Program welcomes exploration of an industry that may lead to job opportunities that result in economic self-reliance that changes lives."
The $25,000 contribution to UNCF Richmond will assist with awarding scholarships and internships for students from families with low and moderate incomes, so they can afford college tuition, books and room and board.
“UNCF’s motto is ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.’ UNCF annually awards more than 12,000 scholarships. This is made possible with the help of community partners like Columbia Gas of Virginia who support our mission,” said Dana Brown, Area Development Director, UNCF Richmond. “We are thankful that Columbia Gas of Virginia has invested in our programs to ensure students have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives and competitive and fulfilling careers.”
Oasis Social Ministry received a donation of $24,000. The money will support its provision of thousands of meals each month to homeless and food-insecure residents, as well as critical services to hundreds of families each month through its Community Pantry.
“In the tapestry of humanity, kindness and compassion weave the threads that bind us all. Serving the less fortunate is not just an act of charity, it’s a testament of our shared humanity,” said Oasis Social Ministry Executive Director Cathy Davis.
This contributions were made possible by the NiSource Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Columbia Gas’s parent company. Through the NiSource Foundation, Columbia Gas of Virginia provides more than $350,000 annually in financial contributions to charitable organizations that share our mission of meeting basic human needs. As part of that effort, we support many organizations that provide assistance during times of individual and community crisis including local food banks, relief agencies and emergency responders.
For more information on how Columbia Gas of Virginia gives back to the community, visit our website.
