FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sparklight Awards $6,700 to Joplin Nonprofits
JOPLIN, Mo. (Jan. 7, 2025)– Sparklight®, a leading broadband provider, recently awarded grants totaling $6,700 to Area Agency on Aging, Region X and Watered Gardens through the company’s Charitable Giving Fund. The organization was one of 24 nonprofits across Sparklight’s 24-state footprint that received grants totaling more than $125,000 during the most recent award period.
The Charitable Giving Fund, which awards $250,000 in grants annually, concentrates support in the following priority areas:
- Education and Digital Literacy
- Food Insecurity
- Community Development
This grant season, Sparklight also extended support to organizations devoted to veterans’ outreach, elder care, afterschool programs, community safety, animal advocacy and more.
“Sparklight is proud to support the nonprofits that make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Mike Drahota, Sparklight Senior Regional Director North Central. “These organizations are essential to strengthening the cities and towns we serve, and we are grateful for the opportunity to amplify their efforts. Together, we can bring vital resources and support to those who need it most.”
Area Agency on Aging, Region X will use Sparklight’s $3,500 grant to purchase essential food staples for homebound seniors.
“Sparklight’s funding ensures that we can send much-needed grocery goods, in addition to our home-delivered meals, to the most vulnerable and food-insecure older adults in our community,” said Jennifer Shotwell, Area Agency on Aging, Region X CEO. “We could not do this without Sparklight. We, and those we serve, truly appreciate Sparklight’s generosity!”
Sparklight’s $3,200 grant to Watered Gardens will be used to purchase two defibrillators to bolster on-site safety at the nonprofit’s Washington Family Hope Center, which provides housing and relational care for homeless mothers with children.
“We are very grateful to Sparklight for supporting our ministry,” said Travis Hurley, Watered Gardens Director of Advancement. “With the grant, we will be able to add another layer of safety for moms and children in our care. We appreciate Sparklight’s generosity and concern – and for helping us make an impact in our community.”
Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for spring 2025 grants will be accepted between April 1-30, 2025.
For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving. To learn more about Sparklight high-speed internet services and career opportunities, please visit www.sparklight.com or follow Sparklight on Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
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Area Agency on Aging, Region X photo caption: Left to right: Charlotte Foust and Jennifer Shotwell of Area Agency on Aging, Region X with Randy Kennedy and Sam McGill of Sparklight.
Watered Gardens photo caption: Left to right: Dana Bunn (Watered Gardens), Randy Kennedy (Sparklight), Ruth Willoughby (Watered Gardens) and Sam McGill(Sparklight).
About Sparklight
Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider delivering exceptional service and enabling more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states to thrive and stay connected to what matters most. Through Sparklight® and the associated Cable One family of brands, we're not just shaping the future of connectivity–we're transforming it with a commitment to innovation, reliability and customer experience at our core.
Our robust infrastructure and cutting-edge technology don’t just keep our customers connected; they help drive progress in education, business and everyday life. We’re dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering our communities and fostering a more connected world. When our customers choose Sparklight, they are choosing a team that is always working for them–one that believes in the relentless pursuit of reliability, because being a trusted neighbor isn’t just what we do–it’s who we are.
CONTACTS:
Jamie O’Driscoll
Communications Manager