Vol75-01 January 2025

SMECO donates $60,000 to support local hospitals

Your cooperative employees raised $60,000 during the SMECO Annual Charity Golf Outing in September 2024. The money was donated to three hospitals in Southern Maryland: CalvertHealth Medical Center, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The funds will be used to improve access to cancer care, help provide support services, and enhance healthcare facilities.

“Community hospitals provide care, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. These local organizations offer more than healthcare, they provide strength and connection for our community in the best and worst moments of their lives,” said Sonja M. Cox, SMECO president and CEO. “Thanks to the hard work of our employees and the generosity of our vendors in making this annual event a success, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our community.”

The annual charity event draws support from SMECO vendors, the cooperative’s board and executive team, and employees who volunteer. Each year, the cooperative selects different organizations to benefit from its fundraising efforts. Over the last 12 years, SMECO employee fund-raisers have contributed more than $600,000 to local organizations.

SMECO presents the donations from the 2024 fund-raiser to CalvertHealth Medical Center, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, and St. Mary’s MedStar Hospital.

1. From left, Sonja Cox, SMECO president and CEO; Natalie Cotton, SMECO government and public affairs director; Jennifer Kluh, UMCRMC development and foundation operations coordinator; and Pam Rollins-Butler, UMCRMC board member.
2. From left: Sonja Cox; Emily Cantrell-Stagner, MedStar St. Mary’s assistant vice president—philanthropy; and Natalie Cotton.
3. From left: Sonja Cox; Amy Lutz, CalvertHealth Medical Center director of public relations and marketing; Melissa Carnes, CalvertHealth Medical Center database and grants manager; Natalie Cotton; and Brian Lazarchick, vice president of electric operations & construction and CalvertHealth Medical Center board member.

SMECO employee fund-raisers have
contributed more than $600,000 to
local organizations over the last 12 years.

2024 Golf Outing sponsors

Platinum sponsors