Driven by their commitment to community, the Touchstone Energy^® Cooperatives of Iowa held their fifth annual Shine the Light contest this summer to celebrate local volunteers.

In June, employees and member-consumers of Iowa’s locally owned electric cooperatives were invited to nominate someone who makes a positive difference in their community. The judging committee reviewed essays highlighting 88 outstanding nominees. The full list of nominees was published in the August issue of Iowa Electric Cooperative Living magazine, and the three winners were revealed in the recent September issue.

This year, ECI REC was very excited to have four Shine the Light nominees within our service area.

RICKY DAVIS

Ricky Davis has been a leader with Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) since 2012. This organization is committed to teaching disabled veterans how to play golf, no matter their disability. After completing the program, these veterans can play for free or for a cart fee at over 60 different golf courses in Iowa. Ricky himself is a Vietnam era service-connected disabled veteran. He was nominated by Joyce Davis of Marengo.

DONNA DELAGARDELLE

Donna Delagardelle kick-started the Scrip Program for St. Athanasius School in Jesup over 30 years ago and continues to coordinate it today. Through the sale of gift cards, this initiative raises funds for the school and supports families with tuition costs. Donna was nominated by Monica Bengston of Fairbank.

STEVE RIES

Steve Ries founded the Aiming for a Cure Foundation with his son, Ben, when Ben was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just eight years old. The foundation supports pediatric oncology patients and their families in many ways, from covering travel and lodging expenses to offsetting medical costs and bringing a little joy to a hospital room with toys and comfort items. Ben passed away at just 12 years old. This year marks 20 years since his passing. Steve was nominated by his niece, Katie Stadheim, the human resources director for ECI REC.

RANDY SCHEEL

Randy Scheel helps enhance our natural resources through the Benton County Conservation Foundation. As an avid sportsman, he is passionate about education, conserving Iowa’s wildlife, and preserving our natural areas. He’s involved in many organizations, including serving on the Benton County Conservation Board since 2013. He was nominated by Becky Van Wey of Vinton.

While these nominees were not selected as one of the three statewide winners, your Cooperative was very happy to celebrate these four Community Connected volunteers by making donations to their causes in their honor. ECI REC has awarded them each a $500.00 donation from our Community Reinvestment Fund. Our power supplier, Central Iowa Power Cooperative, has offered to match our contribution—bringing in a total donation of $1,000.00!

Feature photo credit: Stephen Reasonover, NRECA