Gulf Power Company will recognize four community service organizations at its third annual Power of Service awards ceremony for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Thursday. The company started the Power of Service awards in 2012 as a way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and recognizes organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of others.

The organizations being honored include Belmont Youth Band, Interfaith Ministries, Emmaus Kidz & Company and Pensacola Community Arts and Recreation Association.

“Each of the groups being recognized are on the front lines of making a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Gulf Power President and CEO Stan Connally. “These organizations deserve to be celebrated for their dedication to our community and we want to help them raise awareness about what they do.”

Community leaders have been invited to the award ceremony and reception on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pensacola Improv in Pensacola.

2014 Power of Service recipients:

Belmont Youth Band

The Belmont Youth Band was formed in 2003 and gives youth an opportunity to learn an instrument in a positive environment. Students are provided the instrument of their choice and each class builds on basic fundamentals. Some students have been awarded full college scholarships or scholarships to music camps.

Interfaith Ministries

Interfaith Ministries is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the underserved citizens of Santa Rosa County. Their programs include financial aid for housing, auto repair and other emergency financial assistance, and Life Skills classes that teach how to attain and maintain self-sustainability. The group’s Good Samaritan Clinic provides free medical care for adults without health insurance. 

Emmaus Kidz & Company

Emmaus Kidz & Company mentors students to help them enter adulthood and guide them to serve as productive citizens in society. The majority of the children are inner-city residents, ages 5-21. Currently, students are mentored in math, reading and aviation, as well as ACT and FCAT testing.

Pensacola Community Arts and Recreation Association

The Pensacola Community Arts and Recreation Association is a community-based organization composed entirely of volunteers. PCARA works to provide youth with social and academic skills that will enable them to successfully resist illegal drugs, teen pregnancy and violence.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 436,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”