(KANSAS CITY, Ks.) — The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities was recognized recently for its leadership and on-going commitment to philanthropy and social good, one of several local organizations to be named a local Corporate Champion by Ingram’s magazine in 2021. BPU received the distinction at the 2021 Philanthropist of the Year Awards Luncheon on December 13, 2021, in Kansas City, MO, where Local Heroes and Corporate Champions who demonstrated exceptional giving and philanthropy at the individual and corporate levels were honored. The non-for-profit utility serving Wyandotte County, KS for more than 100 years was also profiled in the December Philanthropy edition of Ingram’s magazine, along with several individuals and regional organizations.
BPU’s philanthropic support for community causes, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and efforts to help the community overcome pandemic-related challenges added BPU to a short-list of other respected institutions that were, or have been previously, recognized including Cerner Corp., BKD, Hallmark, UMB Bank, etc. Specific BPU programs and initiatives noted included the 2021 Annual Charity Golf Tourney that raised $40,000 for local children’s and community organizations, the BPU Summer Youth Program that provides grants to area nonprofits helping more than 1,500 at-risk youth since its inception, $250,000 in Utility Assistance and Hardship Payment Assistance for families experiencing financial hardship over the last year, and enactment of several moratoriums on utility disconnections for those unable to pay their utility bills.
BPU leadership’s on-going commitment to social responsibility and community betterment were summarized during an executive Philanthropy Roundtable discussion prior to the Ingram’s luncheon. “BPU operates as a community enterprise, measuring its success by ensuring reliable, consistent, and affordable utility services for its customers, while remaining cognizant of its responsibility and obligation to bettering the community as a whole,” said Bill Johnson, General Manager of BPU. “We enjoy a tremendous sense of community pride in Wyandotte County, with BPU and its employees either working, volunteering, or contributing to make a difference and benefit the very neighbors they live alongside throughout the community.”
To learn more about the unique programs, services, and tools BPU provides to its customers and the community, including its on-going support initiatives, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility efforts, check out the BPU website at www.BPU.com, or follow them on social media.
BPU’s David Mehlhaff and Bill Johnson are pictured here with Ingram’s Editor-in-Chief to accept the 2021 Kansas City Corporate Champion Award.