Just days after the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, more than 100 employees and supporters from Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) gathered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Their mission was to raise funds for U.S. veterans.
The event, led by JCP&L’s Veterans & Allies employee business resource group (EBRG), took place on September 20 at the Fountain Green Golf Course. It successfully raised $18,652 for Community Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing security and mental health services to veterans.
FirstEnergy’s EBRGs focus on diversity and offer networking, mentoring, coaching, recruiting, individual development, and community outreach opportunities. The Veterans & Allies chapter consists of 198 employees committed to supporting veteran causes.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President in New Jersey, expressed pride in the efforts: “Community Hope’s mission to be a beacon of hope for the community…is a key part of strengthening our state and our communities,” he said. “I’m immensely proud of our veterans and their colleagues who step up and lead efforts to improve the lives of those who have fought for our country.”
Community Hope has expanded significantly over the past five years. Last year alone, it provided housing security to over 1,300 veterans and resources for mental health recovery to 160 individuals.
Carmine Deo, CEO of Community Hope, acknowledged JCP&L’s support: “We appreciate the generous support of JCP&L and their employees…Just like JCP&L, we are a part of the very fabric of our community.”
Fountain Green Golf Course is located on what was once Fort Dix. Designed in 1941 with its original layout intact, it holds historical significance as it hosted the Army’s first female basic training recruits in 1978.
Photos from this fundraising golf outing can be viewed or downloaded on FirstEnergy’s Flickr page.
The participants included 63 front-line JCP&L employees from IBEW Local 1289. They aimed to raise $10,000 but exceeded expectations by raising $18,652 with help from a $10,000 match donation by the FirstEnergy Foundation.
Jeffrey Munyan from IBEW Local 1289 remarked on their dedication: “We are proud to include numerous veterans among our members…Their ongoing support…is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily to keep our great country safe.”
More information about FirstEnergy’s commitment can be found at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/careers/military.html.
