$200,000 Donations to Nonprofits

News
By PowerOptions Team

Rep. Joe Kennedy Joins for Presentation to Needham’s Charles River Center

NEEDHAM – Nonprofit organizations across the state will benefit from $200,000 in donations made today by PowerOptions, New England’s leading energy-buying consortium, a nonprofit committed for 20 years to supporting mission-driven nonprofits and government entities.

As a part of its 20th anniversary celebration, PowerOptions announced the recipients of its first-ever member donation initiative, “20 for 20.” PowerOptions is investing nearly $400,000 directly in the missions and energy futures of its non-profit and government members– giving 20 cash gifts of $10,000 each and 20 electric vehicle charging stations to its members.

Congressman Joe Kennedy III joined in the announcement of the cash gifts at an event at the Charles River Center in Needham, a social service agency and the first recipient of a donation.

“For 20 years, PowerOptions has supported the nonprofit and public institutions of Massachusetts, providing energy savings, guidance and leadership,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This gift to the Charles River Center is just one of many that will allow these critical organizations to expand and enhance the services that make all of our lives better.”

“As a nonprofit ourselves, PowerOptions has always invested in our programs and services for members,” explains PowerOptions CEO Cynthia Arcate. “This is another way of investing directly into our members’ missions and energy futures.”

Since 1998, PowerOptions has delivered more than $2 billion in energy while pursuing its mission of saving nonprofits and public entities time and money on energy, so those institutions can direct more resources toward their own important missions. As part of its 20th anniversary, PowerOptions decided to push the boundaries of that mission and give back to members with two exciting donation initiatives that put funds directly into members’ organizations and help them keep pace with technology advancements and better prepare for their energy futures.

“Power Options has been helping organizations save money on energy for 20 years and now they are giving back in a big way. The Charles River Center in Needham empowers and supports people with developmental disabilities. They are deserving of the generous donation by Power Options,” said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

“I am thrilled to hear Charles River Center is a recipient of PowerOptions ’20 for 20′ initiative,” said Senator Michael Rush.  “Congratulations PowerOptions on your 20th Anniversary, thank you for the continued energy assistance you provide to your members throughout the commonwealth.”

Serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, the Charles River Center will be using its $10,000 gift toward building IT infrastructure that will enable their clients to have greater access to assistive technology.

“We are thrilled to receive this award for $10,000 from PowerOptions as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.  The PowerOptions donation will directly affect our clientele and help us keep pace with technology advancements to enhance access to assistive technology for those we serve,” states Anne-Marie Bajwa, president of the Charles River Center.

“These needed resources, funding greater access to assistive technology, are greatly appreciated.  The individuals at the Charles River Center now have another ‘tool in their tool box’ to communicate their ideas, learn new information and engage with family and friends,” said Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham). “Helping to make the Needham community and the center a nice place to live, learn, work and play for everyone.”

The other PowerOptions gifts will go toward enhancing services, expanding reach and repairing facilities for nonprofits and public entities across Massachusetts. The organization will announce a Connecticut gift on May 15.

“Our members range from the smallest to the largest nonprofits, and our gifts are meant to help supplement our members’ missions,” added Arcate. “The 20 for 20 gifts will go to members where we can make the biggest impact.”

PowerOptions will also be gifting 20 electric vehicle charging stations to members in the coming weeks.

Full List of Massachusetts 20 for 20 Awardees

  • Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston
  • ArtSpace, Inc., Maynard
  • Bay Path University, Longmeadow
  • Charles River Center, Needham
  • Community Servings, Jamaica Plain
  • EcoTarium, Worcester
  • Fitchburg Public Schools, Fitchburg
  • Harborlight Community Partners, Beverly
  • Landmark School and Landmark School’s Outreach Program, Beverly
  • Malden YMCA, Malden
  • Manet Community Health Center, North Quincy
  • MetroWest YMCA, Framingham
  • New Bedford Housing Authority, New Bedford
  • Rogerson Communities, Boston
  • Shriners Hospitals for Children—Boston, Boston
  • VNA of Eastern Massachusetts, Somerville
  • Winchendon Housing Authority, Winchendon
  • WORK Inc., Dorchester
  • Youth Opportunities Upheld, Inc., Worcester

*One other donation to a Connecticut PowerOptions member will be announced on May 15.

More information about the winners is available here.

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