LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Employees of Princeton-based NRG Energy, Inc., raised $200,000 for HomeFront from prize auctions, partner contributions and a company matching grant at NRG’s annual headquarters picnic on September 12 – the largest amount in the event’s history.
“HomeFront could not have a better corporate friend then NRG Energy,” said Connie Mercer, CEO of HomeFront. “NRG staff supports us throughout the year in so many ways: volunteering, donating food, back to school items, Christmas presents; whatever the need. It means so much that NRG employees are so supportive of our homeless and struggling families. The creativity, compassion and generosity that was shown at the NRG picnic was off the charts.”
In the months prior to the picnic, NRG employees across all departments reached out to business partners, asking for donations of prizes or monetary contributions to benefit HomeFront. Thanks to their vigorous fundraising efforts, NRG received more than 100 individual items for the silent auction and raffle. More than 600 employees and their guests attended the event to bid on the prizes, including a live auction of big-ticket items such as airline tickets, a blimp ride and an electric bicycle.
“Helping others and giving back to the community are central to our company culture and our core values,” said Tanuja Dehne, NRG’s Chief of Staff, who also serves on the Board of HomeFront. “HomeFront’s mission to end homelessness resonated deeply with our employees and partners, who worked hard to gather donations and gave generously through spirited bidding on prizes to raise this record-breaking donation.”
“The annual company picnic fundraiser is one of the most exciting and satisfying projects of the year because all our New Jersey employees work together as a team to uphold our personal commitment to NRG’s core values by working for the benefit of our community,” said Jennifer Brunelle, Director of NRG Global Giving. “I love how the whole company gets behind the event to raise money and awareness within NRG and with our partners, bringing hope and encouragement to those who need it most.”
The donation caps a yearlong engagement with NRG, a supporter of HomeFront since 2008. The company was a marquee sponsor of the HomeFront Run & Walk for Hope 5K event in May and continued its multi-year participation this summer in HomeFront’s Back to School backpack drive. Nearly 200 employees participated in this year’s backpack drive, shopping for 24 children to have needed clothing and school supplies for the coming school year.
About HomeFront
HomeFront’s mission is to help homeless and low income families in Mercer County stop the cycle of poverty by finding them jobs, affordable homes and security. HomeFront’s methods are based on a holistic approach that serves every member of the family and provides support in all areas from the procurement of free food, furniture, cars and clothing when needed, to all manner of life skills training, mentoring and support. HomeFront’s programs are comprehensive; they include job readiness training, job skills certification, educational enrichment, summer camp, and culminate with placement into affordable housing with ongoing supportive services. Visit HomeFront on the Web at www.homefrontnj.org.
About NRG Energy
NRG is leading customer-driven change in the U.S. energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices, while building on the strength of the nation’s largest and most diverse competitive power portfolio. A Fortune 250 company, we create value through reliable and efficient conventional generation while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions. Our retail electricity providers serve almost 3 million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy and @NRGMedia.
