CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced a donation of $100,000 to Unite Charlotte. This new community fund was established in response to the recent unrest in Charlotte and will support programs and organizations focused on community healing, rebuilding trust and creating opportunities, including work being done by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force.
"Unite Charlotte is the latest example of businesses, nonprofits and civic organizations coming together for the benefit of the Charlotte community," said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy. "Keeping our communities vibrant and strong is just as important to Duke Energy as keeping the lights on, and we are honored to do our part."
The Unite Charlotte fund will be housed at United Way of Central Carolinas and will be administered through a partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas. It will have an advisory committee consisting of leaders from the faith, education and business communities, as well as community-based organizations and donors.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force has been in existence for two years and has been examining the barriers to upward mobility and job opportunities, as well as discrimination in Charlotte.
"Beyond this donation, our employees and retirees are actively engaged in board leadership and other volunteerism efforts in the community," said Shawn Heath, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. "We are planning additional opportunities for our team to contribute to unity efforts across the city."
Donations from the Duke Energy Foundation are funded by shareholders.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
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SOURCE Duke Energy
