Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Ben Egnew of Keene, N.H. He works in Vernon and pays Vermont taxes.
What charitable organization could afford to have a loss of 16.9 percent of their fund-raising campaign? In 2010 the Windham County United Way raised $500,000 through community fund raising. Of that amount, Vermont Yankee employees, through personal contributions and a corporate match, provided $84,383, which was 16.9 percent of the entire 2010 fund-raising campaign. How many local companies or businesses would be able to assist in the recovery of funds that would be lost if Vermont Yankee were shut down?
I do not believe that if Vermont Yankee were shut down, the demand on the United Way would decrease by 16.9 percent to reflect the loss of the VY contribution toward their annual fund raising. United Way helps over 19,000 families in Windham County, and that number is growing.
The Windham County United Way supports 19 different groups in the community. Without the generosity of Vermont Yankee employees, funding for which of those organizations would have to be cut, and how many families would have to do without the help and assistance they require?
In addition to contributing to United Way, Vermont Yankee sponsors many other community resources. In 2010, Vermont Yankee employees shopped for the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center Project Feed the Thousands.
Through Vermont Yankee’s contribution, as well as many other donations, the Drop In Center was able to fill 25 semi truck loads of food for our friends and neighbors.
The 2010 renovation of the Brattleboro Boys & Girls Club facility was sponsored by Vermont Yankee. Vermont Yankee employees dedicated several weekends to replace the dance floor, computers and carpeting, and to repair the exterior of the building. This work was done by 60 Vermont Yankee employees with the help of GPI Construction. The project will be completed in 2011 with the replacement of the building’s upper windows.
Vermont Yankee employees live in the local area and support the community. These projects were completed by employees who donated their time and were supported by funding from Entergy contributions. Without the Vermont Yankee employees, these gifts would not have been possible.
