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Community Involvement

With Socket's wide range of services throughout Missouri and continuous company growth, Socket recognizes the importance of improving the places we live, work, and play. By engaging in numerous charity events and organizations, Socket strives to strengthen its ties within the community.

Upcoming Events
Recent Events
Past Events
Non-profit Partners
Chambers of Commerce

Upcoming Events

Central Missouri Food Bank Volunteer Evening

Socket recently hosted a volunteer evening at the Central Missouri Food Bank. It was so successful that another volunteer evening will take place on December 10. Socketeers were so pleased with the turnout and amount we were able to help that we are excited to be able to offer our help again.

To learn more about the Central Missouri Food Bank, visit www.centralmofoodbank.org.



Mad Hatter Tea Party

Socket employees will get dressed up in vintage fashion and socialize with members of The Adult Day Connection over tea.


Recent Events

Central Missouri Food Bank Volunteer Day

Socket hosted a volunteer evening at the Central Missouri Food Bank on October 22, with 14 employees participating. The group helped sort and organize pasta and cereal to prepare the food for distribution to needy individuals and families.

Socketeers worked through over 3,000 pounds of food and helped to create approximately 2,256 meals.

To learn more about the Central Missouri Food Bank, visit www.centralmofoodbank.org.



Socket volunteers (from left) Janet Moss, Mat Harrison and Jim Williams break apart frozen pasta for other volunteers to place in smaller bags.


Volunteers included: Front Row (L-R): Stephanie Rosskopf, Tia Stratman, Eric Farless. Middle Row (L-R): Lonnie Schaal, Judy Shiverdecker, Sheila Lynch, Janet Moss, Mat Harrison. Back Row (L-R):Scott Dean, Jim Williams, Ben Roudenis, Josh Devers, Matt Kohly and Brian Fitch.



Socket Softball

Socket employees, along with their family and friends, recently wrapped up the company's first ever co-ed recreational softball season. Chris Hill, business account representative, organized the team in an effort to help employees have fun and stay active.

"The team brought together employees from several different departments, so it was really a great chance for everyone to get together outside the office," said Hill. "Most importantly, we all had a good time and improved throughout the season."




Above: Front Row (L-R): Tia Stratman, Becky Miller,
Aniz Mora, Jennie Schmitz. Back Row (L-R): Chris Hill,
Aaron Hayes, Wendy Brasses, Eric Farless, Adam Barratt,
Josh Connon, Stephanie Rosskopf and Will Ferlis.
Not pictured: Ben Roudenis, Tyson Hash and Sean Rand.




Jefferson City and Saint Louis Business Expos

Socket hit the road to visit local business customers across the state. At the expos, Socket business sales representatives answered questions about Internet service and other technical issues.

Socket also held a drawing for a free 500 GB external hard drive.




Socketeers at the Jefferson City Business Expo include (L-R): Will Ferlis, Aaron Hayes, Dave Giles, Nathan Byrum, Kurt Bruemmer, Zeke Long and Steve Bremer.


A local Jefferson City man stops at the Socket booth to talk to Business Account Representative Chris Hill.



Adopt-a-Spot Volunteer Day

Socket employees and their families helped with trash and refuse pickup in Columbia on Saturday, September 27.

The trash pickup is part of Socket's commitment to help keep the streets of Columbia clean. The company has adopted a spot of roadway on Clark Lane between Hwy. 63 and Paris Road.

To learn more about Columbia's Adopt-a-Spot litter clean up program, visit www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Solidwaste/Volunteer/cleanuplitter.php.




Volunteer Justin Light wants to help Socket "break the record" for cleanest road in Columbia.


Volunteers included: Front Row (L-R): Stephanie Rosskopf, Tia Stratman. Back Row (L-R): Josh Devers, Tony Lana, Adam Barratt, Scott Dean, Eric Farless, Lonnie Schaal, Khandicia Randolph, Will Ferlis and Justin Light. Not pictured were: Sheila Lynch, John Dupuy and Sarah Dupuy.



Columbia Independent School Donation

Socket donated large modular lab tables to Columbia Independent School’s newest location on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.

The multi-functional tables, some of which have built-in sinks and cabinets, would cost tens of thousands of dollars if purchased new. They had been sitting in unused space that Socket needs to remodel.

For more information on Columbia Independent School, visit www.cislions.org.




Socket employees Dave Sill and Eric Burkett help move the
tables donated to Columbia Independent School.



Bike MS

Socket employees and their families helped staff a rest stop at this popular cycling event in September. Volunteers helped set up the rest stop, as well as distribute refreshments to riders.

More than 3,000 cyclists participated in Bike MS, and the event netted $2.4 million for the National MS Society.

To learn more about the National MS Society, visit www.nationalmssociety.org.




Socket's Summer Blood Drive

Thanks to Socket employees, customers and friends who helped save lives with the American Red Cross on Friday, August 29 at Socket's corporate headquarters.

To find a blood donation opportunity in your community, visit www.givelife.org.


Columbia Balloon Invitational

Socket was proud to help sponsor this event, which featured hot air balloon flights and illuminations from pilots across the country.

For more information on the Columbia Balloon Invitational, visit www.columbiaballoon.com.




Socket representative Eric Burkett prepares for takeoff in the socket sponsored balloon.


Families gather to watch the hot air balloons after stopping by the Socket tent for their free balloons.



Missouri State Fair

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Socket Pig Races at this year's Missouri State Fair!

Visitors had five opportunities each day to watch the pigs race. Socket also added great giveaways, special offers and much more.

For more information on the Missouri State Fair, visit www.mostatefair.com.


The racing pigs sprint toward the finish line.


Adam Barratt, outside networks administrator, applies temporary tattoos on young Fair-goers.



Fayette Freeze-Off

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us at this event featuring an ice cream competition, fiddle competition, crafts and more!

For more information, visit www.fayettefreezeoff.com.


Socket employees were ready to help with free technical advice and other giveaways.


Two young visitors sport their new Socket balloons and temporary tattoos.



Salute to America

Thanks to everyone who stopped by SOCKET Pit Row at Salute to America! We hope you enjoyed the cars, boats and all things racing!



Tiffany Johnson, customer service representative, joined Socket at the parade, along with her daughters, Courtney and Tori..


This company vehicle was among the exhibits at Socket Pit Row.



Fulton Street Fair

Thanks to our Fulton area customers who stopped by to see us at the 2008 Street Fair!

Socket was on hand to answer technical questions, as well as hand out balloons, tattoos and glow sticks.

Jefferson City Chamber Golf Tournament

Socket sponsored a hole at this Chamber golf tournament on Monday, June 16.

Golfers were treated to a special game at Socket's hole, in which every player who reached the green on their first shot was given a playing card. Members of the GFI Digital team were named winners, having the best five-card poker hand at the end of the day.



Moberly Railroad Days

Socket was on hand at this annual festival on Saturday, June 14. Representatives answered technical questions, told visitors about the latest special offers and much more. There were even be fun giveaways for the whole family, including balloons, pens, temporary tattoos and glow sticks.




Father's Day 5K

A group of Socket employees laced up their running shoes on Saturday, June 14, to participate in this 5K sponsored by the Jefferson City Area YMCA.



Special Learning Center Golf Tournament

Socket was proud to sponsor a team in this charity tournament held on Monday, June 9, at the Redfield Golf & Country Club in Eugene, MO.

Proceeds for the event benefited the Special Learning Center, dedicated to providing intervention services to children with developmental disabilities. Find out more at www.speciallearningcenter.com.

Centralia Anchor Festival

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us at the Centralia Anchor Festival on May 30-June 1!

Socket representatives were on hand at the event to toss candy in the parade, as well as pass out balloons, temporary tattoos, glow sticks and much more.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by! We hope to see you again at next year's festival!

Past Events

Socket's Spring Blood Drive

Thank you to all employees, customers and friends who helped make Socket's May 27 blood drive a success! We appreciate your help in saving lives with the Community Blood Center.

All blood donated to the center is distributed to hospitals in Missouri and Kansas. Visit www.savealifenow.org to find local blood donation opportunities near you.



Technical Support Representative Ben Roudenis cheerfully makes his donation.


Other donors included (from left): Russ Mulkey, Matt Kohly and Nate Howland.


Socket's Spring Day of Caring: Camp Hickory Hill

Socketeers rolled up their sleeves on Saturday, May 17, to help Camp Hickory Hill get ready for the summer season.

Located just north of Columbia, Camp Hickory Hill offers a unique opportunity for children with type-one diabetes to learn more about their condition and how to treat it, while enjoying traditional activities such as hiking, boating, archery and swimming.

Socket employees spent the day cleaning the facilities, testing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, assisting with landscaping and more.



Business Account Representative Josh Connon clears weeds from the pond area. Josh's wife, Amanda, and son, Michael, also volunteered.


Socket volunteers included (L-R): Nick VanSlyck, Scott Dean, Lonnie Schaal, Josh Devers, Sadie Alongi, Eric Farless and Zaza Tugushi. Not pictured were: Josh Connon, Amanda Connon, Michael Connon, Tiffany Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Tori Johnson, Sheila Lynch, Jim Lynch, Cody Lynch, Jasmine McBride, Janet Moss, Ira Oliver and Khandicia Randolph.


Ronald McDonald House Charities' 10th Annual Golf Tournament

Socket was proud to help sponsor this day of golf and fun for an outstanding organization on Monday, May 5.

Please visit www.rmhccolumbia.org for more information about this event and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Spring Home and Garden Shows

Socket hit the road this spring to visit local customers and residents across the state. At the shows, Socket customer service and technical support agents answered questions about Internet service and other technical issues. Balloons were also distributed to young patrons.

Look for Socket at an area festival near you this summer! Keep checking this Web site to view our updated calendar of events.



Above: Socket spokesman Bill Gardner (center) stops by the Clinton Home & Leisure show to say hello to marketing interns Nick Konczak (left) and Lauren Scheidemantel (right).


Above: Jack Crump (center), featured in Socket's new testimonial advertisements, visits with Erika Tournear (left) and Whitney Ragan (right) at the Show-Me Warren County Home and Garden Show in Warrenton.


Rootin' Tootin' Chili Cookoff

Socket recently sponsored a team in the 3rd annual Rootin' Tootin' Chili Cookoff on February 16 in Columbia. Not only did the team, led by Nick Pena, whip up a delicious batch of chili, but they also helped generate funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia. Out of more than 40 teams participating, Socket finished 6th in dollars raised.

The chili was a crowd favorite and the booth was spiced up with Cuban-inspired music, decorations and costumes. You can view Nick's chili recipe at www.socket.net/chili.



Above: Chef Nick Pena (also known as Consumer Sales Manager at Socket) whips up his delicious Cuban-inspired chili.


Above: Socket's team consisted of (L-R): Wendy Brasses, Nick Pena, Josh Devers, Janet Moss, Adam Barratt, Matt Harrison, Scott Dean and (not pictured) Stephanie Rosskopf.


Fall Food Drive

Socket employees and customers donated more than 600 canned food items during a November drive for the Central Missouri Food Bank. The organization serves needy families in 33 Missouri counties. Find out more at www.centralmofoodbank.org.


Socket's Fall Blood Drive

Thanks to all Socket employees, customers and friends who donated blood at Socket's Fall Blood Drive on Friday, November 16. The event was a success and we were able to help save lives with the Community Blood Center.

All blood donated to the center is distributed to hospitals in Missouri and Kansas. Visit www.savealifenow.org to find local blood donation opportunities near you.


Socket Open House

Socket hosted an open house and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, November 13 to celebrate the opening of our new corporate headquarters.

Formerly located in downtown Columbia, Socket moved to a new state-of-the-art facility at 2703 Clark Lane earlier this year. The new location features a more stable environment for Socket's data center, additional space to accommodate recent growth and more amenities for personnel.

If you weren't able to attend the event, we hope you'll come visit us at our new location soon!



Above: Socketeers and representatives of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce celebrate Socket's new corporate headquarters.
(Photo by Dan Gill Photography)


Diamond Night

As the presenting sponsor of this annual fundraiser held on Nov. 3, Socket helped raise more than $62,000 for Boys and Girls Town of Missouri. This important organization helps improve the lives of children with emotional and behavioral problems. To learn more, visit www.bgtm.org.


Tour of Missouri

Elite cycling excited Missouri fans as some of the world's greatest cyclists competed in a week-long race across the state in mid-September. Competitors included the Discovery Channel Team and Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador.




Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival

This event was held September 7-8 in Downtown Columbia. Thousands of people enjoyed great music, good food and fun at the Socket Stage in Peace Park.



Above: Music fans enjoy the great blues, bluegrass, folk and gospel sounds at the Socket Stage at Peace Park.


Above: Attendees browse special offers and visit with Socket employees.



Columbia Balloon Invitational

Socket was a sponsor at the Columbia Balloon Invitational on August 23-26. The event featured flights and illuminations from 35 balloons and benefited the University of Missouri Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network.




Socket's Summer Blood Drive

Thanks to all Socket employees, customers and friends who donated blood at Socket's Summer Blood Drive on Friday, August 17. The event was a success and we were able to help save lives with the American Red Cross-Boone County Chapter.

Only a fraction of those able to donate blood actually do so. Giving blood is safe and easy, and by donating, you can save up to three lives! Visit www.redcross.org to find local blood donation opportunities near you.



Above: Scott Dean waits patiently while giving blood.


Above: While Jake Glascock signs in (left), Eric Burkett, Nick Pena and Dave Sill wait to make their donation.


Socket's Summer Day of Caring: Ronald McDonald House

Approximately 15 Socket employees volunteered to tidy up the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Missouri on Saturday, August 4. The group cleaned the facility from top to bottom, doing everything from sweeping and vacuuming to dusting shelves, scrubbing walls and washing windows.



Above: Volunteers Scott Dean (left) and Nick Pena (right) clean the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Missouri.







Volunteers included: Front row (L-R) - Carson and Max Coffman, Alisha and Jillian Long, Matt Freeman, Marisa Huck, Chris Thomas and Stephanie Rosskopf; Back row (L-R) - Zeke Long, Nick Pena, Lora Kile, Wendy Brasses, Josh Connon, Khandicia Randolph, Kevin Hopkins and Dave Sill. Not pictured - Jen Coffman and Scott Dean.



Socket's Non-Profit Partners
Click on the organization's link to view its Web site.


Churches

Benedictine Sisters, Our Lady of Peace Monastery in Columbia, MO
Black Pond Church in Birch Tree, MO
Christian Church of Mid-America in Jefferson City, MO
Christian Wings for the World in Ironton, MO
Cornerstone Assembly of God in Cape Girardeau, MO
First Baptist Church in Vienna, MO
Harrisburg Christian Church in Harrisburg, MO
Harvest Fellowship Church in Warrensburg, MO
Holy Rosary School in Monroe City, MO
LaGrange Christian Church in LaGrange, MO
Midway Heights Baptist Church in Columbia, MO
Millersburg Christian Church in Fulton, MO
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbia, MO
Sacred Heart Church in Columbia, MO
St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Tipton, MO
St. Mary Catholic Church in Shelbina, MO
Southside Baptist Church in Hannibal, MO
Wilkes United Methodist Church in Columbia, MO


Community Centers and Organizations

Community Chapel Youth and Family Center in Camdenton, MO
Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia, MO
Lady Jay Volleyball Booster Club in Jefferson City, MO
Mountain View Community Betterment, Inc.
Miller County Historical Society
New Bloomfield Area Historical Society


City Organizations

Columbia Housing Authority
Fun City Youth Academy/Community Playground of Columbia, Inc.
Meals on Wheels of Columbia, MO
Missouri Distance Learning Association
Missouri Girls Town Foundation, Inc. in Kingdom City, MO
Missouri River Relief
The PedNet Coalition, Inc.
United Way of the Mark Twain Area
Columbia Track Club/Columbia Half Marathon

Chambers of Commerce

Hannibal Chamber of Commerce
Wentzville Chamber of Commerce
Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce
St. Peters Chamber of Commerce
Lake St. Louis Chamber of Commerce
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce
Camdenton Chamber of Commerce
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce
Wright City Chamber of Commerce
Troy Chamber of Commerce
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association






















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