Commitment to Community

One of the Touchstone Energy^® values is commitment to community. East River Electric and its employees take pride in the efforts they undertake to exemplify this value. Here is a look at just some of the projects that demonstrate our Commitment to Community.

Children's Care Benefit

East River Electric employees and members of the Madison Elks lodge came together on Thursday, March 25, 2010 to host the 46th annual mountain oyster and ham feed to benefit Children's Care Hospital & School.

Over 350 community members once again were faithful in supporting the event. Area businesses also donated items for door prizes and silent auction.

Approximately $9,500 was raised, eclipsing last year's amount by over $3,000.

East River employees pictured with April Cundy's silent auction painting.

East River Electric employees raised $900 to purchase a piece of art painted and donated by Madison resident April Cundy. April receives services from CCHS and is the daughter of Linda and Randy Cundy. The employees then donated the painting to CCHS for display.

Bicycle Safety Day

Each year in early May, with the aid of the Madison Police Department, East River Electric employees hold a Bicycle Safety Day. The annual event helps children prepare for a summer of safe bicycle riding. Children learn about the rules of the road and bicycle safety tips.

Bicycle helmets, locks and other prizes are given to attendees, and four lucky youngsters go home with new bicycles, which are donated by the East River Employees Committee and the Madison Police Department.

East River employees sponsor the annual event as part of their dedication to helping local youth and their commitment to community.

East River employees pose with the four children who won bikes.

Ed the Energy Expert and East River employees Maria Pedersen and Chuck Lohsandt pose with the four lucky children who won brand new bicycles at the event.

Christmas Gifts for Deserving Children

East River Electric employees hold various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money to purchase Christmas gifts for local area children. Volunteers use the funds to purchase gifts for children through Angel trees at each of East River's seven maintenance centers and the Madison headquarters.

The remainder of the money was used to purchase toys, games, blankets and hygiene products for distribution to families through South Dakota Social Services in Madison.

East River employees pose with gifts purchased for needy children.

East River employees David Smith, Kayla Kaup, Bob Gale, Michele Whitlock, Scott Paulsen and Deb Byrne display some of the gifts donated to area families.