DOVER, DE – The Board of the Chesapeake Utilities’ SHARING Fund is proud to announce that it has distributed over $100,000 in grants to more than 400 customers in need on the Delmarva Peninsula. This record amount is a 50% increase over the grants distributed in 2008.
“With the ongoing economic situation, high levels of unemployment and the demands of those on fixed incomes increasing, it’s important to let those on the Delmarva Peninsula know that help is available to them,” stated Shane Breakie, President of the Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP) which manages the SHARING Fund.
Chesapeake Utilities created the SHARING Fund with donations provided by customers, employees, the community and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation to ensure that the elderly, ill and those facing financial hardship are not forgotten during the cold winter months when energy bills are at their peak.
In 2009, Chesapeake Utilities committed a record amount of $47,500 in support of the Sharing Fund. “The employees of Chesapeake Utilities have responded to the needs of the local communities,” added Beth Cooper, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. “In addition to the contributions from the Company, employees in the Sharp Energy propane segment alone raised over $7,000 through creative fundraisers, raffles and employee donations to support this important program.”
Grants of up to $600 are available to approved customers over the age of 60, who are living on a fixed income and need assistance. In addition to increasing the grant levels, additional SHARING Fund grants of up to $1,000 are being offered to those who are recently unemployed or struggling with mortgage-related issues or need assistance with the repair or replacement of their heating equipment or water heaters.
SHARING grants are available for all eligible customers of Chesapeake Utilities and Sharp Energy living on Delmarva. Applications for the grants are available through Catholic Charities in Delaware (302.674.4016) and Shore-Up in Maryland (410.749.1142). Information can also be found on the newly created SHARING website found at www.chesapeakesharing.com.
The SHARING Fund, also known as CHEERP was incorporated in 1983.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission and marketing; electric distribution; propane distribution and wholesale marketing; advanced information services and other related businesses. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and the Chesapeake family of businesses is available at www.chpk.com.
# # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Company Contact: Shane Breakie, President
Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP)
Chesapeake Utilities
350 South Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Ph: 302.734. 6797, ext. 6017
[email protected]
Media Contact: Sydney Davis, Communications Manager
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
909 Silver Lake Boulevard
Dover, DE 19930
Ph: 302.736.7828
[email protected]
