Black Hills Energy Donates Appliances To Women Of Neligh

Neligh's newest organization teamed up with Black Hills Energy on Wednesday morning to accept a donation of four appliances.

As part of Black Hills Energy's "Improving Life Day," the company donated a washer and dry set, a gas stove and another dryer to the Women of Neligh (WON).

"Black Hills Energy is embracing our mission of improving life with energy by taking time to give back to the communities we serve," said Melissa Garcia, community affairs manager. "As the year comes to an end, we thought this would be a nice way for our crews to reach out and engage with people in the communities where we live, work and play. Throughout the state, our teams will get to help non-profits that selflessly serve our customers. That makes everyone feel good."

Clayton Pelster and Michael Chelle presented the appliances, valued at $2,176, to WON member Carrie Pitzer. Chelle said Nikki Kallhoff told him about the new organization, and he suggested the WON as recipient of Black Hills Energy's donation. 

Pitzer called the donation "a perfect fit since we too are committed to improving life in the community."

"We were pleasantly surprised by Black Hills Energy's generous donation," Pitzer said. "While we have not formally made a decision on how to utilize these appliances, we have discussed selling chances to win them because that would really double down the donation - giving the appliances away and raising funds for an upcoming community project."

Pitzer said once details are finalized, the WON will make a formal announcement of how the donation will be utilized. 

The WON is similar to the previous organization, Young Women Of Neligh (YWON). The YWON organization dissolved about 15 years ago, and several female leaders in the community came together to start the new organization.

Lauren Sherian-Simonsen said there was interest in the group for several years. That increased significantly, she said, during the first mixer for the Antelope County Young Professionals.

“We’re completely able, capable and have the drive to it,” she said. “There are some very talented women here in town who want to give back to the community and step up.”

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