William Lenoir and Blue Ridge Energies Partner

On Christmas Bike Project

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Renee R. Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, Phone: (828) 758-2383, Pager 800-471-1323, or E-mail:  Renee Whitener

Lenoir, North Carolina (November 15, 2004) – The magic of the holidays to many little girls and boys is awakening Christmas morning, running down the hall and discovering a gleaming new bicycle waiting under the tree.

Unfortunately, many children don’t get that opportunity. Job layoffs and the economy are hurting area families. This year, William Lenoir Middle School and school business partner Blue Ridge Energies are helping ensure the magic of Christmas visits many more little boys and girls than might otherwise be possible.

William Lenoir educator Shawn Moore came up with the idea for his 8th grade Bike Shop Class to refurbish bicycles other families are no longer using and could donate to the program. The idea is to refurbish as many bikes as possible before the Christmas holidays to be delivered to select community families.

Blue Ridge Energies, the school’s business partner, decided to join the effort. Employees and their friends, relatives and neighbors are donating bikes for Blue Ridge Energies to deliver to the school.

“This partnership is beneficial for the school, our community, and our company,” said Glenda Christian, Blue Ridge Energies general manager. “Projects such as Mr. Moore’s are very worthwhile in our community—many area families will have a brighter Christmas because of their efforts. Dr. Pete Yount, William Lenoir’s principal, has been very supportive of the project, the partnership between Blue Ridge Energies and the school, and has been creative in organizing such projects,” she continued.

Blue Ridge Energies and William Lenoir Middle School have participated in numerous activities since 1995 in their school/business partnership. The company places a strong emphasis on supporting education and other areas that contribute to the quality of life for Caldwell County residents.

William Lenoir is continuing to accept bicycles for the project from the community until November 23. No donation will be denied, according to Moore. If interested in donating a bike, please contact Shawn Moore at the school at 758-2500 by November 23.

Blue Ridge Energies is a provider of propane and heating fuels to homes and businesses with offices located within the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation district office at 419 Nuway Circle. The company, which is a subsidiary of Blue Ridge Electric, also has a showroom in the Blue Ridge Electric district office featuring fire places, stoves and heaters. For more information, visit www.BlueRidgeEnergies.com.

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