(CUMMING, GA)  The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation (Foundation), announced today that it will distribute more than $50,940 for local charities, educational projects and college foundation scholarships.  The funds were generated from co-op members through Sawnee EMC’s Operation Round Up Program.

Operation Round Up allows participating members to round up their electric bill to the next dollar.  The money is directed into the Sawnee Foundation and 100% is then administered in a series of grants by its voluntary Board of Directors.  On average, participating members will contribute about $6.00 per year.

The Foundation Board approved $23,290 for local charitable organizations, $5,153.81 for Bright Ideas classroom grants and $22,500 for local college foundation scholarships.

The 1st Quarter grants are as follows:

Charitable Organizations

• Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County, Inc.
• Recovery Community Foundation of Forsyth, Inc.
• Blessings in a Backpack of Forsyth County, Inc.
• American Legion, Post 307
• Glory, Hope & Life, Inc.
• Teacher Reuse Exchange

Bright Ideas

• Whitlow Elementary – Forsyth County
• Denmark High School – Forsyth County
• Indian Knoll Elementary School – Cherokee County

College and Technical School Foundation Scholarships

• Gwinnett Tech Foundation, Inc. – North Fulton Campus
• University of North Georgia Foundation, Inc. – Cumming Campus
• Lanier Technical College Foundation – Forsyth County Campus

“Sawnee EMC members have a unique opportunity to support Operation Round Up and give back to their local communities,” states Cindy Badgett, Director of External Affairs.

Each month, approximately 15,000 Sawnee EMC members round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar.  This extra change goes directly to the Sawnee Foundation and these small, yet generous, donations have allowed the Foundation Board to donate over $4.1 Million back into local communities since its inception in 2003.

To learn more about Sawnee EMC Foundation’s Operation Round Up Program and the Foundation, visit www.sawnee.com/oru or contact Cindy Badgett, Director of External Affairs, at 678-455-1399 or via email cindy.badgett@sawnee.com.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Foundation

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 191,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. The Sawnee Electric Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities.  The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations. Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}