February 28, 2019

Whether it’s operating phone banks for a worthy cause or bravely jumping into a cold lake, FirstEnergy employees continue to go above and beyond in supporting the communities we serve.

Once Again – We Did Our Part

FirstEnergy recently sponsored the three-day Have A Heart, Do Your Part Radiothon benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital. Sixteen FirstEnergy volunteers answered phones for those calling in with pledges. Our volunteers also reached out to their own contacts to secure donations. TheFirstEnergy Foundation donated $10,000 to match the amount raised during the time FirstEnergy employees volunteered.

Our team of volunteers were ready to take those donation calls.

With the FirstEnergy Foundation donation check are, left to right: Kirsten Dransfield, Nyesha Blasingame, Tara Costa-Martin, Anne Lazzerini, Emery Gal, Torey Tolson, Tamara Jacobs and Jen Hess.

A Great Reason for Freezin’

Thirty-three FirstEnergy employees, family members and friends participated in the 16th annual Polar Bear Jump on Feb. 23 at Portage Lakes State Park in Akron. This year’s event raised more than $125,000 to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

FirstEnergy was recognized as the top corporate team contributor having provided more than $37,500 through employee contributions and the FirstEnergy Foundation’s matching funds. Our dollars will result in 150,000 meals to feed the hungry in the community.

Samantha Szilagyi, senior business analyst and coordinator of the FirstEnergy team, was recognized as the top individual coordinator by raising more than $5,000.

“I’m unbelievably proud of our team this year. This is the most we’ve raised since participating in the event. It’s an amazing accomplishment,” said Samantha. “Our team of employee jumpers and supporters are upholding FirstEnergy’s core value of Social Responsibility, and I am thankful for the continued support from the FirstEnergy Foundation.”

Ashley Carr (friend of Samantha), Samantha Szilagyi and John Szilagyi (Samantha’s husband) take the big plunge as team members cheer them on.