September 11th, 2019
On Friday, September 6, we joined our partners in celebration at the Rivers Casino for our 36th Annual Luncheon. We gathered with approximately 180 guests to honor the utility partners, employees, community organizations and leaders who worked diligently this year to bring Dollar Energy Fund’s mission to life.
The day started when more than a dozen Dollar Energy Fund employees headed to the Grand Ballroom on the second level of the casino to set up the silent auction, ticket auction, and awards. Guests started to arrive at registration around 11 a.m., found their tables, mingled with friends and placed bids through our online auction.
Ron Giulianelli, president of Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors, began the program at noon by welcoming everyone and sharing opening remarks. Afterward, guests enjoyed a delicious buffet-style lunch that included salad, baked ziti, chicken parmesan, smoked sausage, broccoli presto pizza and more, along with an array of mini desserts.
After lunch, Dollar Energy Fund CEO Chad Quinn recognized utility partners that achieved milestone years of partnership with us. Citizens’ Electric Company and Wellsboro Electric both celebrated 20 years of partnership with Dollar Energy Fund this year. AEP Ohio, Kingsport Power Company and Appalachian Power Virginia each achieved their 10-year milestone of partnership. California Water Service Company and Kentucky American Water both partnered with Dollar Energy Fund in 2014, making this year their 5th year of partnership. The continued support from all of our utility partners allows Dollar Energy Fund to assist thousands of limited-income households in 13 different states each year.
Lisa Stoebener, Dollar Energy Fund Chief Human Resources Officer, recognized our Board of Directors, who each bring unique strengths and benefits in supporting Dollar Energy Fund’s mission and growth. Overall, we currently have 19 members serving on the Board. However, we have one member whose final term is coming to an end. Ron Giulianelli has served as the President of our Board for three years. He is also completing his second three-year term as a Board Member. At the end of this term, Ron will assume a new role as our immediate past president once a new president is elected.
Before the keynote address, Roxanne Squillante, Secretary of Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors, began our awards presentation. She presented three Golden Eagle Awards, which go to community partners and friends who have “soared above and beyond” in their efforts to help the limited-income community this year. Next up, Joe Ott, who is currently serving as the Vice President of our Board of Directors, presented the Betty Ann Simon Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the low-income community. This year, Dollar Energy Fund was proud to present the award to Peoples Natural Gas CEO Morgan O’Brien. Click here to read more about our award recipients!
Dollar Energy Fund Chief Financial Officer Dan Caponi had the pleasure of introducing Lance White to present the keynote address. Lance is entering his second year as head coach for the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball Team. He delivered a motivational speech that discussed overcoming hardships and offered praise to our hardworking agency partners.
At the end of the event, we closed the online silent auction and announced winners of the ticket auction. Many people took home beautiful silent auction items; the proceeds for which will help the local, limited-income community stay warm this winter.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 36th Annual Luncheon, and a special thank you to our sponsors who made this all possible: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Duquesne Light Company, FirstEnergy, Peoples Natural Gas, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and our presenting sponsor, Pennsylvania American Water. We look forward to another successful year together!
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