GCI continues support of nonprofit partners through challenging times
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—GCI announced today it remains committed to its 2020 nonprofit partnerships through its philanthropic program, GCI Gives. All existing funding commitments for events in Spring of 2020 will remain unchanged in the wake of the current coronavirus pandemic.
“GCI is committed to our customers and to communities across the state,” said Senior Vice President of GCI Consumer Services Paul Landes. “During this challenging time, I want to reassure our non-profit partners GCI will remain a steadfast supporter of their important missions.”
GCI Gives program leaders are actively identifying ways to to increase direct funding, in-kind services and products for its Alaska nonprofit partners in the midst of ongoing canceled events, social distancing and shelter-in-place directives.
“GCI is an Alaska-born-and-raised company, which means we do what all Alaskans do in hard times: help each other,” said Chief Marketing Officer Kate Slyker. “It’s our responsibility to support our nonprofit partners through the COVID-19 outbreak because they are out there serving the state’s most vulnerable populations.”
One example of how GCI Gives is ramping up its sponsorships happened recently when an event GCI planned to sponsor, the Healthy Alaska Native Foundation’s annual Raven’s Ball, was canceled. The fundraising component of the 2020 event is moving online to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding large events and gatherings, so GCI quickly donated $25,000 to kick off the virtual paddle-raising online, to support the Alaska Native Medical Center’s Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
For other organizations, GCI’s new and free No Worries internet plan upgrade is keeping Alaskans who are normally without internet connected across the state during difficult times. GCI committed to providing the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce with internet services to continue its weekly chamber membership meetings virtually, helping businesses in Fairbanks to stay connected and informed. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska (BBBSAK), GCI’s No Worries plan is keeping Bigs and Littles connected, and children supported through these times. Like BBBSAK, teens at Covenant House Alaska are staying connected with schoolwork and loved ones, too. Staff who are working from home at these organizations are also benefitting.
“GCI is an exemplary partner in our community, and we are so grateful to have them by our side as a partner,” said Covenant House Alaska Executive Director Alison Kear. “Free internet and phone plans are keeping our staff connected and working while our kids are able to continue their education. Not to mention the sense of comfort that comes from communicating with family and friends during these uncertain times.”
GCI is committed to keeping its employees, customers and families safe and connected during the COVID-19 situation. Learn more about GCI’s response at https://www.gci.com/covid-19. For more information on the GCI Gives program, visit https://www.gci.com/why-gci/gcigives.
About GCI
GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer and business customers throughout Alaska and nationwide. Headquartered in Alaska, GCI has delivered services for 40 years to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI Liberty, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBP). Learn more about GCI Liberty at www.gciliberty.com.