COLUMBIA, Mo. — Socket, a Columbia-based telephone and Internet provider, donated more than $3,000 to 67 local non-profit organizations in November as part of its Honest to Goodness program. The company’s local home phone customers contributed to the fund, donating five percent of their monthly bills to the charity of their choice.

The donations were presented to representatives of local charities at Socket’s neighborhood party at Shakespeare’s Pizza on November 17. Charities in attendance included: The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, Central Missouri Humane Society, Heart of Missouri United Way, Rainbow House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Miracle Network and Phoenix Programs.

"Local means a lot to us at Socket, and we are inspired by the kindness and generosity we see around us in Columbia every day," said Stephanie Rosskopf, marketing manager at Socket. "That's why we are giving back."

The next round of donations is scheduled for spring 2011. A full list of participating charities can be found at www.socket.net/homephone/charities. Non-profit organizations interested in joining the program can contact Socket at 817-0000 to obtain an application.

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Columbia-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides Columbia families and businesses a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket’s network serves more than 20,000 residents and businesses in more than 400 Missouri cities, and its customers enjoy simple billing and quick, friendly service. For additional information, visit: www.socket.net.

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PHOTO CAPTION:
Socket employees and local non-profit representatives display donation checks received through Socket’s Honest to Goodness program. Front row (L-R): Tia Stratman, Kristen Wilkerson and Allie Schomaker (Socket). Middle row (L-R): Allison Toth (Central Missouri Humane Society), Brenda Jackman (Rainbow House), Leigh Voltmer (Heart of Missouri United Way), and Erica Young (Big Brothers Big Sisters). Back row (L-R): Chris Green (Socket), Chevy Alston (The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri), Michelle Kemp (Children’s Miracle Network) and Nate Souza (Socket).