DETROIT, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ Despite tough economic times, DTE Energy
employees and retirees dug deep into their pockets in 2008 to contribute $1.95
million to the United Way and other nonprofit organizations. The DTE Energy
Foundation matched those donations with an additional $1.06 million, for a
total of more than $3 million.
"In times like these, the work of nonprofit organizations is critical, and
it's more important than ever to support their efforts," said Anthony F.
Earley, Jr., DTE Energy chairman and chief executive officer. "It says so
much about our employees that even in a struggling economy, their generosity
and concern for others in unwavering."
DTE Energy employees and retirees pledged nearly $1.6 million to the 2009
United Way campaign. The DTE Energy Foundation provided an additional
$750,000, bringing the company's contribution to $2.35 million. Those funds
will be distributed to 34 United Way chapters across Michigan.
DTE Energy employees contributed $249,193 to educational and cultural
institutions in 2008, which was matched by the DTE Energy Foundation with
$216,057, for a total of $465,250.
DTE Energy employees and the DTE Energy Foundation gave more than $207,000
during a six-week holiday fund-raising drive for groups that provide food and
shelter to those in need. DTE Energy employees donated $104,844 to these
human services organizations, which was matched by the Foundation with an
additional $102,844.
Another $184,500 was contributed by the DTE Energy Foundation to nonprofit
organizations on behalf of DTE Energy employees and retirees who volunteer in
their communities. The Foundation's Walter J. McCarthy Awards for Volunteer
Leadership recognize individual employees and retirees for their community
involvement. Each award includes a grant made to a nonprofit organization
designated by the recipients. Since it was established in 1990, the program
has awarded $1.2 million to community groups statewide.