Georgia Power employees have raised more than $2 million in support of cancer research

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power employees have raised over $35,000 this year and more than $2 million since 1997 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) through the annual 'Run for the Reason' relay event, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fundraising has transitioned to virtual formats, enabling continued support for critical research. Additionally, employees contributed over $23,000 to ACS's 'Relay for Life' events. ACS anticipates 1.8 million new cancer cases and 606,320 deaths in the U.S. this year, with a total investment of over $4.9 billion in cancer research since 1946.

Positive

• Employees raised over $35,000 for ACS during the pandemic.
• Total funds raised since 1997 exceed $2 million.
• Employee involvement in virtual fundraising demonstrates commitment to social responsibility.
• Support for cancer research positively impacts community health initiatives.

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 23 years, Georgia Power employees have gathered every spring for the company's Run for the Reason event – a three-day, 350-mile relay run from Atlanta to St. Simon's Island – in support of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) research center. This year, employees, families, friends and supporters have donated more than $35,000 during the pandemic, and more than $2 million since the event's inception in 1997.

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted all events and social gatherings last March, participants in the annual relay made a commitment to continue fundraising in a virtual environment, with one hundred percent of donations going directly to critical research needs. Race participants and fundraisers often do so in honor of a loved one that has or is battling cancer, while many are survivors themselves.

"While the pandemic may have changed how we volunteer and fundraise, it hasn't changed our team's commitment to being a citizen wherever we serve," said Sloane Drake, senior vice president of Human Resources at Georgia Power and executive champion for Run for the Reason. "We're incredibly proud of how our employees have continued to support deserving organizations such as ACS through creative virtual and socially distanced events. Their efforts ensure we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors during these challenging times."

In addition to funds raised through "Run for the Reason," Georgia Power employees also supported ACS' annual "Relay for Life" nationwide events virtually this year. Several Citizens of Georgia Power volunteer chapters raised more than $23,000 that will also benefit research and resources needed to support cancer survivors during this vulnerable time.

ACS estimates that there will be 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,320 cancer deaths in the United States this year. Since 1946, the nonprofit has invested more than $4.9 billion in research to find better treatments, potential causes and to help improve the quality of life for patients.

The community can continue to support Georgia Power's virtual cancer research fundraiser through the end of the year by visiting the American Cancer Society's donation page and selecting "I want to support my local event."

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What recent fundraising efforts has Georgia Power made for cancer research?

Georgia Power employees raised over $35,000 this year and more than $2 million since 1997 for the American Cancer Society.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Georgia Power's fundraising activities?

The pandemic led Georgia Power to transition its fundraising to a virtual format while maintaining support for cancer research.

What is the significance of the Run for the Reason event?

Run for the Reason is a relay event that has raised funds for the American Cancer Society, highlighting employee commitment to cancer research.

How much money did Georgia Power employees raise for Relay for Life?

Employees raised over $23,000 to support ACS's Relay for Life events.

What are the cancer statistics for the U.S. in 2020 according to ACS?

ACS estimates 1.8 million new cancer cases and 606,320 cancer deaths in the U.S. this year.