Buckhead Coalition and Gas South partner to provide annual funding for Shepherd Center Adolescent Program

Last month the Buckhead Coalition and Gas South announced they will partner to provide annual funding for the Buckhead-based Shepherd Center Adolescent Program. Sam Massell, Buckhead Coalition president and former mayor of Atlanta, made the announcement in a press conference on Sept. 9.

Under the partnership, Gas South will offer discounted natural gas rates to Buckhead residents and businesses. The Buckhead Coalition will receive funding from Gas South, based on the number of participants in the program, and will then donate the funds to the Shepherd Center Adolescent Program, the country’s only special care unit for adolescents suffering from spinal cord injuries.

As a community energy provider, Gas South has similar programs with electric membership corporations (EMCs) and municipalities across Georgia and has helped thousands of customers save more than $5.7 million to date. Home to more than 78,000 residents, Buckhead is the first community to donate the funds received to a non-profit organization.

“The Shepherd Center is a mainstay in the Buckhead community, serving thousands of patients across the country annually. We are pleased to be able to donate additional funds to this charitable organization, thanks in large part to Gas South,” said Sam Massell, Buckhead Coalition president. “It is our hope that this partnership will be an enduring source of funding for the Center.”

Through October 5, 2013, Gas South will provide a $50 credit to Buckhead residents and businesses that enroll in the program. All Buckhead natural gas consumers are eligible for a discount off Gas South’s published rates for as long as they remain customers. Additionally, Gas South will waive the $60 connection fee for establishing service at a new residence. The initial funding pledged to the Center is $5,000, and will increase annually based on program participation. It is the goal of Gas South and the Buckhead Coalition that funding will eventually reach $25,000 per year.

“Gas South is excited to work with Mayor Massell and the staff and board of directors at the Buckhead Coalition. This win-win proposition will provide discounts on natural gas service for Buckhead residents and businesses as well as sustained annual funding for the Shepherd Center’s programs,” said Kevin Greiner, Gas South president and CEO. “The Buckhead Coalition is one of our region’s most respected civic organizations, and we are honored to have the opportunity to partner with them on this worthy cause.”

Gas South will fund all marketing efforts and contributions made under the program. All natural gas consumers in the Buckhead community have the option of selecting Gas South as their natural gas provider and opting in to the discount program. Buckhead residents and businesses should visit www.gas-south.com/buckhead and use the promo code “BUCKHEAD” or call 1-855-281-1688 to opt in.