CPS Energy employees teamed up with the utility’s union, IBEW Local 500, and retirees to make a more than $882,000 difference in the San Antonio area community through United Way giving. The utility’s internal campaign kicked off in August with a goal of raising $850,000 and has exceeded that with a current pledge of $882,871. The contributions are entirely employee and retiree driven through a combination of one-time donations, bi-weekly or monthly pay deductions. The campaign continues through November.

At a nearly 70 percent participation rate, this year’s giving equates to an average of $333 per participating employee and places CPS Energy among the top 10 local companies for United Way contributions. Retirees and the utility’s annual golf tournament, which was held in May, pitched in $63,395 of the more than $882,000.

“I am proud to be a member of a team of employees who care so compassionately for our community, and are willing to demonstrate it through both their daily work and financial commitment,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Jelynne LeBlanc Burley.

The 2011 campaign contributions exceed the previous year’s giving of $838,000. In addition to the financial support, CPS Energy employees volunteered for United Way’s Days of Caring by renovating Eduardo Garcia Park. On October 6 and 7, more than 400 employees landscaped a walking and jogging path, planted trees, and painted and striped the park’s parking lot. The 5.6-acre park, located at 1200 N. Frio and named in honor of a Vietnam Bronze Star recipient, lies adjacent to the Haven for Hope campus. Employee-volunteers also painted dorms at the homeless shelter.