Social Media Users Help Pennsylvania American Water Raise Money for Low-Income Assistance Program

Pennsylvania American Water announced today that it’s social media fundraising campaign helped raise $1,100 for the Help to Others (H2O) Program™ . The company donated one dollar for every new fan or follower who joined the company’s Facebook and Twitter sites between September 1, 2011 and Thanksgiving.

Pennsylvania American Water External Affairs Manager Gary Lobaugh presents donation of $1,100 to Dollar Energy Fund CEO Cindy Datig, who administers the water company's low-income assistance program. Pennsylvania American Water conducted the special fundraising campaign based on how many new "fans" joined its social media sites. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We were excited to attract nearly 550 new fans and followers during our special campaign,” said Terry Maenza, Pennsylvania American Water director of communications and external affairs. “In celebration of the campaign’s success and in the spirit of the holiday season, we are doubling our donation to help more families in need.”

For almost 20 years, Pennsylvania American Water has been assisting low-income customers who qualify through its H2O Program. The program offers qualified recipients grants of up to $500 per year, a 65-percent discount on the monthly service fee, and water-saving devices and education.

“We are grateful to Pennsylvania American Water for hosting this unique fundraising campaign, which builds upon their long-standing commitment to provide assistance for low-income customers through the H2O Program,” said Cindy Datig, Chief Executive Officer of Dollar Energy Fund. “Many water customers throughout the Commonwealth are facing difficult financial times and every donation has the potential to make a great impact. Pennsylvania American Water is definitely doing their part to make a difference for those in need.”

In 2010, Pennsylvania American Water provided $327,000 in assistance grants to help customers pay their water bill. Grants are funded through a corporate match, customer contributions, employee donations and other fundraising activities. Pennsylvania American Water’s annual corporate match for the program is $250,000.

For more information, or to see if you qualify, please contact Pennsylvania American Water’s program administrator, Dollar Energy Fund, toll free at 1-888-282-6816. You can also view a brief video about the H2O Program at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRF31HnkLWo&feature=g-upl.

To join, visit the company’s social media sites at www.twitter.com/paamwater and www.facebook.com/pennsylvaniaamwater.

Pennsylvania American Water’s Facebook and Twitter pages provide real-time information, as well as:

• Water emergency and boil water advisories.
• Updates on water and wastewater construction projects.
• Information on customer programs, community events and environmental initiatives.
• Conservation and watershed protection tips.

Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50107216&lang=en