The voluntary program for Flathead Electric Cooperative members who choose to support community safety projects was honored on June 21, 2023.
At a recent Boy Scouts of America, Northwest District Montana fundraising event, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program was recognized with a Tom Sliter Community Partnership Award. This accolade recognizes people and organizations that contribute immeasurably to the community and was originally awarded to Tom Sliter in recognition of the many ways the Sliter family has supported the Flathead Valley’s communities. This year, Tom Sliter’s son Andrew presented the award, which was accepted by Roundup for Safety Board members Tom Hollo and Kim Souther.
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Flathead Electric Cooperative members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community safety projects proposed by nonprofit organizations and considered by an independent board. Andrew Sliter praised the organization, noting that Co-op members have voluntarily contributed almost $5 million in community safety funding since 1997, and the Board has funded over 1,300 projects, including 69 projects just last year. “You see AEDs all over the Flathead because of Roundup for Safety, and some of our first responders have the gear they need because of Roundup, too,” Sliter noted.
“The idea of Roundup for Safety was born out of the Co-op’s deep concern for the communities it serves,” Katie Pfennigs, Flathead Electric Cooperative Community Relations Manager, reflected. “Members giving together has been incredibly impactful over the last 26 years, and the Co-op is grateful to each member who participates. The Co-op simply organizes and administers the program, and thanks each of the nine Roundup for Safety directors, all of whom are volunteers completely independent of the Co-op, for the incredible amount of time they give to their communities as they consider grant applications and work with grantees to ensure that projects are brought to successful completion for the benefit of all members.”
To learn more about Roundup for Safety, please visit flatheadelectric.com/roundup. To donate to local scouting, contact Jim Atkinson, District professional associate, at jim.atkinson@scouting.org.
