Chattanooga, Tenn. – April 21, 2020 – As the Chattanooga area continues to navigate the challenges and uncertainty caused by the region’s recent tornados and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Chattanooga Gas and the Chattanooga Gas Foundation are donating $50,000 to support local nonprofit organizations providing essential services and financial assistance to residents.
“We recognize now more than ever the need to support our community partners as they focus on providing valuable resources to our neighbors, who are not only recovering from a natural disaster, but also are struggling to feed their families during this unprecedented time,” said Bryan Batson, president of Chattanooga Gas.
The donation is part of an effort led by Chattanooga Gas’ parent company, Southern Company Gas, which announced in March that it will contribute $2.5 million across its operations footprint.
To assist victims of the April 12 tornado, Chattanooga Gas is designating a portion of this funding to the Tornado Relief Fund, operated by the United Way of Chattanooga and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. Grants from the fund will be given to nonprofits providing immediate vital services as the region works to rebuild.
“The United Way of Greater Chattanooga is grateful to work with partners like Chattanooga Gas who prioritize the health and safety of our community. The support that we’re seeing from the community for this joint Tornado Relief Fund with the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga will not only help front-line nonprofits in their effort to support those affected by this devastating event, but will ultimately help our neighbors as they regain stability through this time of recovery,” said Stephen Van Gorp, vice president for communications for United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
A portion of the donations will also be given to the United Way of Ocoee’s Connect program that helps families identity community resources available to assist their specific needs.
“This donation gives us so much tangible hope,” said Candice Natola, chief resource officer of United Way Ocoee. “The needs are great right now, but the spirit of companies like Chattanooga Gas and our community is even greater.”
Additional funding will be given to the Caring Place and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to help continue services to feed the hungry. One in eight people overall – including one in five children – face hunger every day in southeast Tennessee, a number that is anticipated to grow as a result of recent challenges.
“During this COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t forget stocking up isn’t possible for some families when putting food on the table is a daily struggle,” said Mark Hilling, president and CEO of Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “This generous financial assistance helps our most vulnerable neighbors.”
“We are grateful for business partners such as Chattanooga Gas. The money will allow us to meet the need for the most basic resource of food during this time when so many are faced with financial constraints,” said Corinne Freeman, executive director of Caring Place.
For additional information about assistance resources please visit www.chattanoogagas.com/residential/billing-and-payment-options/energy-assistance-programs.html.
The Chattanooga Gas Foundation and the Southern Company Gas Charitable Foundation are independent, nonprofit philanthropic organizations funded solely through shareholder dollars. For more information, visit scgcares.org.
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About Chattanooga Gas
Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 66,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, please see chattanoogagas.com.
About the Chattanooga Gas and Southern Company Charitable Gas Foundation
The Chattanooga Gas Foundation is a subsidiary of the Southern Company Gas Charitable Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting those who are transforming lives by tackling complex challenges with revolutionary vision. Every year, the Charitable Foundation donates millions of dollars in grants to organizations that align with Southern Company Gas’ values and that passionately work to improve the lives of the communities the company serves. As an independent, nonprofit philanthropic foundation, the Southern Company Gas Charitable Foundation is funded solely by Southern Company Gas through shareholder dollars.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 700,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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Media Contact:
Mekka Parish
Mobile: 404-387-8067 | msparish@southernco.com