2008: Past Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sandbagging Efforts

A group of Socket volunteers traveled to Canton, MO, to assist with sandbagging efforts on Wednesday, June 18. The seven volunteers helped shovel, fill and tie sandbags to help fortify area levees.

Socket volunteers prepare sandbags for use on the levee.

Volunteers included (clockwise from left): Dave Sill, Ben Roudenis, Eric Farless, Nick Sweeney, Michael Schwab, Stephanie Rosskopf and Zaza Tugushi.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Columbia Independent School Donation

Socket donated large modular lab tables to Columbia Independent Schoolï¿½s 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.

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/PublicWorkstestsolidwaste/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.

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.

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.

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.

Diamond Night

Socket was proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of Columbia Diamond Night on November 15, helping raise more than $50,000 for Boys and Girls Town of Missouri. This important organization helps improve the lives of children with emotional or behavioral problems. To learn more, visit www.bgtm.org.

Mad Hatter Tea Party

Socket employees dressed up in vintage hats and accessories and socialized with members of The Adult Day Connection over tea.

Socket ladies enjoy tea with Adult Day Connection members.

Central Missouri Food Bank Volunteer Evening

Socket recently hosted a volunteer evening at the Central Missouri Food Bank on December 10. Socketeers were very pleased with the turnout and are excited to be able to offer their help again in the future.

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

Volunteers included: Front Row (L-R): Lori Harrington, Allie Schomaker,
Melanie Buford, Tia Stratman and Brian Fitch. Back Row (L-R): Jim Williams,
Zaza Tugushi, Mat Harrison, Scott Dean, Josh Devers and Khandicia Randolph.

Socketeers Josh Devers, Mat Harrison, Brian Fitch and Zaza Tugushi get ready to measure out bags of food.

Lori Harrington and Jim Williams mark and package items for distribution.

Toys for Tots Donation

Socket will make a donation to Toys for Tots this holiday season, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program that collects toys for needy children. All the toys will go to local Missouri children.

More than 700 games, balls and miniature trains, trucks and ponies were purchased for delivery to locations across Missouri. Program volunteers will now work with local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other community agencies to deliver the shiny, new toys to Missouri children for Christmas.

To learn more about Toys for Tots and how you can get involved, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Socket employees with donated toys ready for delivery.

Socket co-owner Carson Coffman and a Socket van packed with toys.

Whitney Ragan (left) hands off a toy to Michael Schwab (right) to pack in a Socket van for delivery.

Free Movie with Socket

Socket recently hosted a movie event for a neighborhood in the Columbia community.

Socketeers included: Front Row (L-R): Whitney Ragan, Brittany Bailey and Marisa Hagler.
Back Row (L-R): Andrew Mette, Zaza Tugushi, Lori Harrington, Jim Williams, Nick Pena, Eric Farless,
Melanie Buford, Allie Schomaker, Tia Stratman and Janet Moss.