SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- During the holidays, there is a heightened awareness to help those less fortunate -- to make sure that they have a hot dinner, a warm bed, and maybe even a gift to open on Christmas morning. PG&E's Mielke Awards annually recognize employees who display that same level of compassion all 12 months of the year. This year, the company honors six extraordinary employees who exemplify the spirit of giving and volunteerism.
"Each of this year's Mielke Awards winners have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of the environment and the communities we serve," said Ophelia Basgal PG&E vice president of civic partnerships and community initiatives. "Their devotion to volunteerism and compassion for those less fortunate has made an indelible impression to those who have benefited and the well-being of the community."
Jesse and Pally Cottonham -- Jesse is a troubleman in Daly City and Pally is a senior compliance consultant in San Francisco. Together, they team up to volunteer at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Bayview/Hunters Point. More specifically, they mentor kids at the church's Champions Youth Ministry. Jesse and Pally teach bible study, coach basketball, plan field trips, hold workshops, and work with families in the Bayview/Hunters Point area.
Irene Degl'innocenti -- Irene is a senior consulting gas engineer in San Francisco. Outside of work, Irene has devoted herself to the Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader, parent volunteer and leader at the association levels for the past 30 years. Among the many scouting activities Irene leads, she teaches the girls to maintain a 50-foot power boat, counsels them regarding careers at PG&E and other non-traditional jobs and prepares them for the annual Redwood City Christmas and Fourth of July parades.
Fred Flint -- Fred is a geologist in environmental services in San Ramon. Once Fred punches out for the day, he becomes coordinator of the Walnut Creek Little League Challenger Division, which is devoted to children with disabilities. Under Fred's watch, the Challenger Division has nearly tripled in size. He prepares newsletters, forms teams and creates schedules, distributes equipment, organizes special events, raises funds, recruits coaches, and manages a team.
John McDougal -- John is a senior land surveyor in technical and land services in Fresno. Outside of work, John volunteers with the Children's Hospital of Central California in Madera. In 2002, one of his newborn twin daughters was diagnosed with a heart condition, and while in surgery, she passed away. In her memory, John and his wife Jennifer founded "An Evening Under the Stars," a fundraising dinner-dance. John and Jennifer oversee the entire event, which has raised more than $120,000 for the hospital's heart center.
Mark Rasmussen -- Mark is the General Construction electric supervisor in Stockton. His volunteering efforts benefit the Hospice of San Joaquin in Stockton. Mark coordinates a holiday fundraiser known as "The Tree of Lights," where he and other PG&E volunteers string 1,000 lights around a (now) 80-foot tree at Delta College. In honor of those who have lost a loved one, the public is invited to purchase a colored bulb and their loved person's name is listed in a display case at the base of the tree. In 17 years, Mark has helped the Tree of Lights project raise more than $1.2 million for the Hospice of San Joaquin.
The Frederick W. Mielke Jr. Awards for Outstanding Community Service were first established in 1986, honoring the company's CEO from 1979 to 1986. Each Mielke recipient receives a trophy and $5,000, which goes to the nonprofit organization of the winner's choosing. Five semi-finalists -- Barry Clark, Sharon Clifford, Sherry Falge, John Mabry and Ed Ow -- were presented $1,000 for their favorite charities. Some 40 other nominees received $250 Community Service Awards.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has a long history of making charitable grants tailored to the wide variety of needs of the communities it serves. The company's charitable contributions program provides cash grants, in-kind contributions, and volunteers for community-based nonprofit organizations, and for schools and other governmental programs throughout Northern and Central California. All charitable contributions are entirely funded by the company's shareholders.
For more information on Pacific Gas and Electric Company's charitable contributions program, visit http://www.pge.com/contributions .
