Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation Supports SECU Family House

Donates $3,734 to Family Assistance Fund

The Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation presented the SECU Family House with a grant of $3,734 to the Family Assistance Fund. The SECU Family House is a 45 bedroom hospital hospitality house, providing affordable lodging in a caring environment for patients and/or caregivers traveling to Winston-Salem for medical care.

The Family Assistance Fund was established with seed funding from NC Baptist Hospital Foundation to help financially burdened guests stay at the Family House for a reduced rate. The Family House charges a nightly rate of $35 a night to offset costs and support future families, but this fund allows qualified guests stay for as low as $15 a night.

This gift will give almost 250 families in financial distress a comfortable, affordable place to rest after a day at the hospital,” said Kathy Carr, executive director. “We are thrilled to have the support of the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.”

Through November 2016, over 400 guests pulled from the Family Assistance Fund, and used over $68,000.

(l-r): Tracy Geiger and Kathy Carr, SECU Family House; Lynn Pennell, Blue Ridge Electric Members Foundation Advisory Council; John Coffey, Blue Ridge Energy Chief Operating Officer; Kelly Melton, Blue Ridge Energy Board of Directors; Zela Beckett, Members Advisory Committee; Wongalee Thomas, Caldwell District Manager

Every year, an average of 30% of overnight room stays use approximately $68,000 of financial assistance. The Family House relies on the support of donors and grants to keep the fund financed.

About Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation established the Members Foundation in 2006 to support the work of community organizations providing services that improve the quality of life for the cooperative’s members. Projects in the areas of health, wellness, education, youth, and economic and community development are the Foundation’s priorities for support.

A total of $80,000 to help 16 different organizations across the Blue Ridge service area was awarded in the Foundation’s current grant cycle.