EarthLink Hosts Local Non-Profits at Annual Grand Rapids Griffins Event
On February 15, EarthLink hosted approximately 35 staff members and clients from local non-profit organizations Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and Kent Regional Community Coordinated Child Care at a Grand Rapids Griffins home hockey game. EarthLink also hosted nearly 140 customers, prospective customers and employees as part of this localized effort to give back to the community in which we work and live.
Photo Caption: The jumbotron at the February 15th Grand Rapids Griffins game featured EarthLink which hosted its annual hospitality event for local non-profits and customers at the game.
ANNUAL EARTHLINK GOLF OUTING RAISES $23K FOR ALABAMA CHARITIES, SPONSORS NOV. 3 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD
On November 3rd, a team of Alabama EarthLinkers worked on a Habitat for Humanity build project partially funded by the annual EarthLink Golf Outing held on October 13th. Pictured are EarthLinkers Prateek Mohan, Regina Higginbotham, Muryle Wise, Christal Moore, Kristie Warren, Bart Jordan, and Darren Osborn. John McGuffey and Eric Heath are kneeling and Dustin Swinford is standing in the window. Chris Martin (not pictured) also volunteered during the build.
EarthLink employees and vendors hit the links at the 15th annual EarthLink Golf Outing at the Silver Lakes Golf Course in Glencoe, Alabama on October 13th to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County, AL, and the Calhoun/Cleburne Children's Center. With 160 participants and 37 vendor sponsors this year, including ADTRAN, NEC, Syniverse, Alcatel-Lucent and Infinera, the event raised $23,000! Since its inception, the annual Golf Outing has raised more than $123,000 for Alabama charities.
"We are pleased to announce that this year's Golf Outing will provide $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County, AL, and $3,000 to the Calhoun/Cleburne Children's Center," said Kristie Warren, Chair, EarthLink Golf Outing Planning Committee. "I want to thank the many EarthLink employees and network vendors who participated."
EarthLink Supports Color of Autism Foundation's iPad® Grant Program
Seven families in the Atlanta metro area are recipients of the Color of Autism Foundation's Apple iPad® grant program funded by EarthLink. The Color of Autism's iPad grant program was specifically created to present iPads and the Autismate educational application package to lower-income families with a child diagnosed with autism. To receive an iPad, families undertook a rigorous application and screening process that included school, family and therapist input. EarthLink funded this program as part of its H.A.L.O. initiative (Helps, Acts, Links and Outreach) supporting technology in education.
Hailed as a breakthrough in assisting with cognitive, developmental and social skills, the iPad's portability, innovation and interactivity make it and other tablet devices a revolutionary tool in augmentative communication for both verbal and non-verbal people with autism. Teachers, therapists and caregivers have praised the technology and its ever-expanding library of applications. Educational applications for those on the spectrum are affordable and easy to download, making it simple to create a program tailored to meet specific needs.
"Children and families living with autism in underserved communities often go without therapies, auditory devices and support," said Camille Proctor, Founder and Director of The Color of Autism Foundation. "We are grateful to EarthLink for their financial support which allowed us to purchase iPads to help enable non-verbal and minimally verbal children to flourish and lessen their communication frustrations."
The Color of Autism is still accepting application for its iPad grant program. Visit http://www.thecolorofautism.org/ for more information.
Photo Caption: Brent and Cicily Coleman and their son Willliam received an iPad via a Color of Autism grant, funded by EarthLink.
EarthLink Business Helps Worldwide Christian Schools Thank Volunteers
Approximately 25 volunteers and staff members from Worldwide Christian Schools, a global non-profit based in Grand Rapids, joined EarthLink Business at Friday night's Griffins hockey home game for the company's annual "Solutions are Simple" networking event. EarthLink Business also hosted nearly 150 customers, prospects and local employees in addition to those from Worldwide Christian Schools.
EarthLink Business, the official telecommunications and IT services provider for the Grand Rapids Griffins, donated the tickets in an effort to support the company's local, non-profit customers with a focus on technology. In addition to its various program efforts, Worldwide Christian Schools recycles, updates and restores computers to assist K-8 students in developing countries.
"EarthLink Business counts many non-profit organizations across the country as customers, and we always seek to work with them to further their charitable missions whenever possible. Worldwide Christian Schools is no exception," said John Leonbruno, Vice President of Sales for EarthLink Business. "Their technology program has helped children in many countries get the computers and software they need to learn and grow in a globally connected world."
"Thanks to EarthLink Business, we had an opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to many of our hard-working, dedicated employees and volunteers who help us day in and day out," said Holly Aungst of Worldwide Christian Schools. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with EarthLink Business and assisting even more children in the months and years to come."
Photo Caption: Kristi Hojnacki, Dale Dieleman (father) & Issac Wwamujje (child), Holly Aungst, Michael Aungst, Michelle Lemon (EarthLink)
Golf Outing Raises More Than $30,000 for Alabama Charities
From Left to right: Jim Kesser - Level(3),
Ron Hindman - Habitat for Humanity,
Tasha Davis - MegaPath Wholesale,
David Hill - EarthLink Network Planning
For 14 years, employees from the Huntsville, Anniston and Arab, Alabama markets have hosted an annual golf outing, inviting vendors to join us in raising more than $100,000 for various local non-profits. The recent 2011 Golf Outing was a resounding success, continuing the tradition of fun and charity!
On Saturday, October 8, 140 golfers played the Silver Lakes Golf Course for charity, raising $25,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County and $5,000 for the Calhoun/Cleburne Children's Center. In total, 36 different vendors sponsored the event, with 26 represented in course play. This year's Masters Level Sponsors were Alcatel-Lucent, NEC, ADTRAN, Infinera and Syniverse.
"We are so grateful to EarthLink for its ongoing and generous support of our mission here in Calhoun County," said Ron Hindman, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County. "The enthusiasm and involvement of its employees during our Habitat workdays is extremely gratifying. We consider EarthLink to be an exceedingly supportive community partner here in Alabama." Congratulations to Kristie Warren and the entire planning committee for the wonderful outcome of their efforts.
EarthLink Hosts ACHIEVA Home Care at the Pittsburgh Steelers "Monday Night at the South Side" Event
On Monday, October 17, EarthLink hosted "Monday Night at the South Side", an exclusive event for more than 50 customers, partners and prospects, including ACHIEVA's Home Care division, at the Pittsburgh Steelers practice facility at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. The Steelers have been an EarthLink customer since 2001, and the company has sponsored the team since that time; creating a long-standing relationship between the two organizations.
EarthLink Business customer ACHIEVA Home Care was invited to participate in this exciting event. Attendees from ACHIEVA included clients with developmental disabilities, caregivers and staff members. During the evening, which included dinner and football-related activities, the ACHIEVA group had the opportunity to view and wear an authentic Steelers Super Bowl ring, tour the Steelers locker room and weight room, and participate in a player meet and greet, autograph-signing and photo opportunity with current Steelers players.
Founded in 1951, ACHIEVA is the largest nonprofit in western Pennsylvania, serving nearly 10,000 adults and children with disabilities and their families through advocacy, community services, education, residential options, vocational supports, special needs trusts and family supports.
Mothers Sisters, Daughters - We Walk for You
Beth Kelly in EarthLink's billing assurance department is committed to the fight against cancer, using her gifts as a committed organizer to raise funds towards a cure. On September 23, 2011, she and her husband hosted their "3rd Annual Golf for the Cure" tournament at Candia Woods Golf Course in Candia, New Hampshire. 68 golfers (with 11 players from EarthLink Business) plus several dinner guests participated. Many friends served as dinner sponsors, and the couple solicited more than $4,000.00 in raffle prizes. In all, the event raised $8,666.67 for the American Cancer Society.
Beth has also served as team captain of "Mothers Sisters, Daughters - We Walk for You" for the past 6 years in support of the American Cancer Society. On October 16, 2011, the team had the honor of leading the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk" in Manchester, New Hampshire because they were the #1 fundraising team in 2010! To date, the team has raised $10,662.67 for the American Cancer Society thanks to a huge outpouring of support.
EarthLink Supports the Autism Society of North Carolina
On Saturday, October 8, Team EarthLink Business completed the 5K
2011 Triangle Run/Walk for Autism to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) in downtown Raleigh. The Autism
Society of North Carolina is a longtime customer, and EarthLink was proud to serve as a Partner Sponsor of this 13th annual
event to raise funds for North Carolina families dealing with autism spectrum disorder.
In addition to EarthLink's corporate donation, employees contributed an additional $500!
ASNC provides vocational and day services, supported living services, training, and legislative public policy monitoring. ASNC's parent advocates also help families with a myriad of issues, from understanding the diagnosis to where to seek help. In addition, ASNC operates Camp Royall, one of the largest and oldest camps for individuals with autism in the United States.
To learn about Autism Society fundraising events in your community, please visit www.autism-society.org.
In the photo, left to right: Pam O'Connor, Andrew O'Connor, Brad Matthews and ASNC CEO Tracey Sheriff.
Huntsville EarthLink Employee Tammy Noble Honored as "Angel" by Community Group
On April 7th at an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team meeting, Tammy Noble, who works in the EarthLink
Business billing department in Huntsville, Alabama, was named an honorary "Angel" by the B-Team Angels. This
well-known group of local volunteer women provides recognition to special people who give extraordinary service
to their community.
An EarthLink Business employee for more than ten years, Tammy was nominated by colleague Sheila Jones in a touching letter submitted to the group. The letter, in part, reads:
"She spends so many hours serving her community on Relay for Life, Arab Musical Theater, and Arab Band Boosters, while working full time and taking care of her family and taking care of elderly family members. She is a wonder woman!
Tammy has worked full time for EarthLink for more than 10 years while raising two children. She spent several years as a single mom. Now her daughter is a senior in high school and will graduate with honors. Her son also graduated last year and was awarded a full academic scholarship.
Tammy takes care of many elderly family members. She cares for her mother who is elderly, and she helps take care of her husband's chronically ill grandmother. Tammy is a great friend, employee, mother, wife, daughter, and sister. She cares about the community and works sometimes 15 hours a day serving others. She is a great citizen that exemplifies selfless dedication to her employer, her community, and her family."
EarthLink joins the B-Team Angels in honoring Tammy Noble's selfless service and accomplishments on behalf of her community and family.
EarthLink Relay for Life Team Rallies to Fight Cancer in Arab, AL
Employees at the EarthLink, Inc. Arab, Alabama center for have raised more than $5,000 in support of
the Marshall County American Cancer Society Relay for Life, whose annual fund-raiser concluded with
a walk-a-thon on May 13.
"This year's Relay for Life theme was 'Wacky Holidays,' so we named ourselves 'Team Funneliscious' after National Funnel Cake Day," said Shirley Crissey, chairperson for this year's team. "We are known locally for our funnel cakes, which we sell at the event to raise more money for the cause."
"Several individuals in the company are fighting cancer, as well as family members and relatives," said Crissey. "Relay for Life becomes a very personal way of helping those in need."
Serving with Crissey on the EarthLink Relay for Life team are Jo Cole, Debbie DeLaMont, Lorna England, Heather Lantz, Jennifer Stallings, Teresa Thomas, Lori Whisenant and Lisa Whitt.
"I would personally like to thank all the team members at EarthLink and their dedication to taking up the fight against cancer," said Natalie Burke, American Cancer Society. "The American Cancer Society is helping people get well and stay well by finding cures and by fighting back. The Relay for Life is a team event, and over the past six years, EarthLink has raised over $30,900 for the American Cancer Society. You are helping the ACS find a cure and for that we thank you so much."
Over the past few months, Team Funneliscious also conducted additional fund-raising events to generate donations for Relay for Life, including a chili cook-off, candy grams, holiday portraits, a Mr. and Mrs. Sweetheart Contest, themed meals and raffles.
Last year, EarthLink was the top business fundraising team in Marshall County, raising $8,374 towards the overall total of more than $170,000.
EarthLink Business Ticket Sponsor of 1st Annual Duck Race to Benefit Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1
On Saturday, June 4th, EarthLink Business supported the 1st Annual Duck Race to benefit the Wiregrass United
Way 2-1-1 campaign. EarthLink employees manned a booth at the festival, which took place at East Gate Park in
Dothan.
The event raised needed funds to sustain the Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1 non-profit agency so it can continue to provide free Information and referral services to residents in the Wiregrass region.
Admission to the festival was free, and the carnival-like atmosphere featured family-friendly vendors, booths, silent auction, children's activities, and live music.
At 2:11 p.m., the Duck Race commenced, with numbered plastic ducks that were purchased ahead of time competing in a race at the lake at East Gate Park. Tickets were $10 each or 3 for $25. EarthLink Business was the event ticket sponsor.
2-1-1 is a free, easy to remember number for Alabama residents living in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties to dial for information about health and human service organizations in their communities. The 2-1-1 program provides free access to community resources through information and referral (I&R).
Call Specialists assess needs, help to problem solve and refer citizens to community-based organizations, government programs, support groups, and other local resources that can help.
February 19, 2013 EarthLink Hosts Local Non-Profits at Annual Grand Rapids Griffins Event
February 13, 2013 EarthLink Provides Technology Grant to Lincroft Elementary School
October 24, 2012: EarthLink Supports Color of Autism Foundation's iPad® Grant Program
April 30, 2012: EarthLink Holds Day of Remembrance, Tree-Planting Ceremony to Honor Fallen Neighbors
April 25, 2012: NuPath Leverages EarthLink’s Network to Support Clients and Raise Funds
 |
