STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Cox Communications employees pride themselves on creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology.

But those who work for the largest private broadband company in America also want to create meaningful connection in their community through supporting local nonprofits.

That’s how Cox employees found themselves cooking up pulled pork sandwiches and serving up sales and marketing manager Victor Watson’s famous mac ‘n cheese this past week as they handed out $15,000 in 2024 Community Investment Grants to 10 Wood River Valley nonprofit organizations.

Each nonprofit received a $1,500 check.

This is an opportunity for us to focus on the ‘whys’ to life, Vice President Guy Cherp told his employees and nonprofit representatives.

“How do we empower people today to build a better future for the next generation? We want to do the right thing for people here and throughout the West and the planet. We by example treat with respect to bring out the best in everyone. And we also want to make a little music and have fun doing it all in the spirit of Cox, which is about a culture of giving back, being a force for good.”

Cherp said that Cox employees have the opportunity to contribute to the communities where they live work and serve through Cox Charities. Eighty-three percent of local employees participated this year.

“This was all from employees contributing hard earned dollars and distributing funds,” said Cherp. “It supports local nonprofits that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in our valley. We have great pride in the fact that our employees choose to contribute direct the funds and that our collective efforts have a meaningful impact.”

“I love it here and I love it because of what you do,” added Watson. ”The Senior Connection in our Wood river Valley is, for instance. a jack of all trades when it comes to our seniors. If you need it—they’re going to do it. I wish I had my AARP card.

“I’m a military spouse,” he added, turning to Cara Barrett of Higher Ground, “I can’t say enough about programs that cater to vets, and Higher Ground does an amazing job.”

The organizations receiving grants:

Wood River Community YMCA to teach every second grader in the counter how to swim

The Spot for its work with young people of valley in The Spot Young company

Flourish Foundation for mindfulness classes dedicated to improving mental wellness

Environmental Resource Center for teaching environmental stewardship

Blaine County Education Foundation to be used to purchase school supplies for 500 back-to-school backpacks.

The Hunger Coalition for helping to feed those struggling to put food on the table in what is one of the most expensive counties in the nation for food.

Far+Wise, which provides afterschool tutoring and cultural enrichment to under-resourced students.

The SPACE, which provides afterschool teaching and college counseling.

Higher Ground, which serves returning veterans through sports camps.

The Senior Connection, which serves homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels.

Since 2006 Cox Charities has supported educators and nonprofit organizations in the markets it serves with employee-funded grants totaling more than $8.6 million.

The company operates fiber broadband networks in more than 30 states, providing advanced cloud and managing IT services for nearly 7 million homes and businesses nationwide. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Ohio Gov. James M. Cox, who made a bid for president in 1920.