KUA Awards 102 Grants to Community in 2003

Grant recipients were selected primarily based upon the utility's program guidelines, which foster leadership, education, environment, health, diversity and economic development in the utility's 85-square-mile service territory in Central Florida.

KISSIMMEE, FL April 7, 2004 -- Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) awarded 102 grants totaling $135,836 to non-profit organizations in Osceola County, FL in 2003. Grant recipients were selected primarily based upon the utility's program guidelines, which foster leadership, education, environment, health, diversity and economic development in KUA's 85-square-mile service territory.
    
"These grants reflect the ongoing commitment of KUA to support programs that help strengthen the fabric of our community," said Jim Welsh, KUA's president and general manager. "These grants are among the best investments we make as a utility."
    
Examples of grants awarded in 2003 include: "Flee to be Free" child abduction awareness campaign, low-income immunization programs through the Osceola County Health Department and YMCA's "Safe Start" program to fund youth swimming lessons for families unable to afford them. Grants also supported established organizations like Community Vision, Foundation for Osceola Education, The Nature Conservancy, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Osceola Center for the Arts.
    
KUA provided additional support in 2003 to critical human service agencies, including Community Action, Good Samaritan Village, Osceola County Children's Home, Osceola County Council on Aging and Lodge of Kissimmee, Inc.
    
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric, water, and telecommunication services to 170,000 residents in five Central Florida counties.

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