East River utilized a matching grant program provided by CoBank to donate $5,000 to Special Olympics of South Dakota in December. East River donated $2,500 and CoBank matched that amount.
East River Electric General Manager Tom Boyko said, “The opportunity CoBank provides by matching our donation means an extra dollar on the dollar, which is substantial. East River is proud to help support the children and adults that benefit from Special Olympics of South Dakota.”
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Sandy McLeod Breuer, a volunteer with Special Olympics, expressed appreciation to East River and Co-Bank for the generous donation. “A group of coaches took 17 athletes to Aberdeen to participate in a Bowling Tournament. The athletes really enjoy the bowling events,” said Sandy.
“East River Electric is committed to the communities we serve and donating to non-profit organizations such as Special Olympics is a way for us to stay involved,” said Megan Rummel, East River Employees’ Committee Chairperson.