SoFu Lifestyle asked some of our advertisers and friends of the magazine and we were delighted to find out about their favorite charitable organizations! Let us know your favorite #SoFu area charity or nonprofit organization!
GreyStone Power and Operation Round Up®
The GreyStone Power Foundation, Inc. Scholarship, which is funded by members who donate to Operation Round Up®, was awarded recently to five students in the cooperative’s service area. Winners of the $3,000 scholarships included students Edwin Balderas, Madison Brooks, Julia Cagasan, Ty Merritt and Anthony Tucker.
The scholarships are given based on academic performance as well as school and community activities and are made possible by GreyStone members who agree to round up their electric bills to the next dollar. The cost per month to assist worthy students like these, as well as charitable organizations throughout the service area, is no more than 99 cents per month for participating members.
Anthony Tucker graduated from Westlake High School and will attend Howard University to study computer science and engineering. Edwin Balderas graduated from Douglas County High School and will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering, chemistry, or materials science. Madison Brooks graduated from Paulding County High School and will attend the University of West Georgia to study speech-language pathology. Julia Cagasan currently attends Liberty University and studies aviation maintenance. Ty Merritt graduated from Hearts Academy/Trinity Center and will attend Kennesaw State University to study nursing.
“We are so grateful to our 28,000 members who contribute to Operation Round Up®, the Foundation’s fundraising program so that we can recognize worthy students such as these, as well as help those who need help in our community,” said Marcus Carter, chairman of the foundation board.
The GreyStone Power Foundation, Inc. is built upon the strength of GreyStone’s members volunteering to round up their electric bills to the next dollar to provide monetary assistance for nonprofit organizations. It makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those who need help in our community. You can participate in Operation Round Up®, the Foundation’s fundraising arm, by simply checking the “Yes” box on your GreyStone Power bill statement.
GreyStone is especially proud to support Operation Round Up® on Giving Tuesday and in November and throughout the year. Participating members volunteer to round up their power bill to the nearest dollar. The funds go to assist local nonprofit organizations and fund scholarships to local students. You can find out more here: greystonepower.com/oru
Walter T. King Scholarship
Dr. Erin King-Mullins practices at Colorectal Wellness Center in Fayetteville. The surgery center is dedicated to offering cutting-edge treatments and innovative solutions to address a wide range of colorectal issues. A cause that is dear to Dr. King-Mullins heart is a scholarship fund at Florida State University that is dedicated to the memory of her father.
Walter T. King worked at Red Lobster/ Darden restaurants for over 35 years and the “Walt’s Favorite Shrimp” dish on the menu is named in his honor.
The Walter T. King Scholarship was established to provide support for first generation college students enrolled in the M.D. Degree Program. The Walter T. King Scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. King-Mullins father for his love, support and dedication to opening doors for his daughter to be a physician.
“With my father, there was never a question as to what was to come after high school. It was always college. Our family is proud to be able to honor his legacy by easing others in their journey to higher education.”
Donate to the scholarship at this link:
http://give.fsu.edu/walterking
Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colorectal Wellness Center
ColoWellness.com
Kevin Giles of 1865 Cigars
Kevin Giles is an accomplished and award-winning founder, corporate sales executive, consultant, and philanthropist. He is currently the Sales Director of the Immix Group, where he oversees and leads a team of forty-five employees, responsible for the growth of the $2B division. In 2019, Kevin co-founded 1865 Ventures, a black-owned cigar company in partnership with Rocky Patel. He acts as brand ambassador and oversees marketing and branding. Although the company was soft launched, 1865 Ventures will be formally launched in Fall 2023.
Kevin is known across the business world as a high-energy entrepreneur and has had an expansive career across the IT/tech industries. He has created growth and opportunities for others through his leadership, mentorship, and attention to customer satisfaction. As a lifetime sales professional, he believes that sales and its concepts are the foundation of business. Kevin has founded multiple successful technology and consulting firms. He enjoys bringing new products and services to emerging markets and also serves as a thought leader and strategist in the media and entertainment space. Kevin is currently the Chief Operating Officer at SOFU Lifestyle.
Kevin recently co-founded the Complete Circle Foundation, a scholarship fund that assists HBCU students with college expenses. Kevin has been recognized as a leader in the fundraiser world, raising millions of dollars for non-profit organizations that focus primarily on children and the homeless. One of his favorite charities to support is Thrive DC, a nonprofit that strives to help end hunger and homelessness. To help support their efforts and donate, please visit ThriveDC.org.