CenturyLink Makes Generous Donation to KP Food Bank

Karen Lovett, KP News

Key Peninsula Community Services Director Penny Gazabat, left, helps hold a donation check with Jan Kampbell of CenturyLink. Courtesy photo

On Aug. 15, CenturyLink Public Relations Manager Jan Kampbell surprised the staff and seniors during lunch at the Key Peninsula Senior Center (KPSC).

Roaring applause and cheers erupted when Kampbell announced the CenturyLink donation amount of $35,933 and presented KPSC Executive Director Penny Gazabat with a large symbolic check, the actual funds to follow soon.

“CenturyLink is the third-largest telephone company in the United States since buying out Qwest a year and a half ago,” Kampbell said.

She said that CenturyLink planned matching fund donations totaling $1 million to be divided among 37 states. Selected nonprofit organizations were given two weeks’ notice before conducting 10-day donation drives.

Two food banks in this area of Washington were selected as recipients. The Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank also received a donation. KPCS was chosen before the donations were solicited because of its ability to reach the most people of all age groups, Kampbell said.

Employees of CenturyLink and local residents donated to the fund, contributing $10,522.34 to KPCS between June 20 and 29, the time frame window to be eligible for matching funds. Twenty-six Washington state food banks will receive matching fund donations. The Key Peninsula Food Bank received the second highest amount.

Kampbell said that for every dollar the food bank collects, they have a $6 purchasing power, which is much higher than the normal consumer. CenturyLink had hoped to match privately donated money at that same six-to-one ratio. They weren’t able to go quite that high, but did come up with a greater than three-to-one rate.

In addition to coming to the Key Peninsula to make the presentation, Kampbell and CenturyLink Administrative Assistant Becky Alexander, were there to talk about reduced rates for internet service for seniors.