ATLANTA – April 29, 2015 – Thunderstorms did not dampen the spirits of Georgia Power employees last weekend as they ran from St. Simons Island to the Georgia/Alabama state line to raise money and awareness to find a cure for cancer as part of an annual 400-mile run to benefit the American Cancer Society. Now in its 18^th year, the two-and-a-half-day Georgia Power Run for the Reason (RFTR) has raised more than $1.4 million for the American Cancer Society since employees first laced up their running shoes.

Beginning on Friday at midnight, runners traveled from Georgia Power’s offices on St. Simons Island to Georgia Power’s Plant Wansley in Heard County. Over the course of more than two days, three teams of Georgia Power runners took turns running 40-minute legs in a relay format. The relay teams passed through Brantley, Ware, Atkinson, Berrien and Tift counties before heading north through Houston, Bibb, Monroe and Lamar counties. Runners then made their way through Spalding, Henry, Clayton, Fulton, Cobb and Douglas counties before finishing Sunday.

“Georgia Power employees continue to tackle this demanding route with enthusiasm each year to raise awareness and funds to end this terrible disease,” said Bruce Feiman, Georgia Power customer choice project manager and Run for the Reason chairman. “This run not only draws attention to the important research being done to cure cancer, it is also one of several ways our employees can get involved in this fight.”

This year’s run also included a new feature as many Citizens of Georgia Power chapters, Georgia Power’s local volunteer groups, along the RFTR route held mini “Run for the Reason” events.  These mini runs were up to three miles in length and participants ran with the RFTR teams as they came through each town. 

As runners made their way across the state, Georgia Power shared the journey with customers and fans on social media by tweeting photos and updates using #PowerfulRun from @GeorgiaPower on Twitter.

Overall, this year’s run is expected to raise more than $75,000 for the American Cancer Society chapters in Georgia. In addition, Georgia Power employees participate in multiple Relay for Life 24-hour fundraising walks across the state each year.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, advanced coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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