Direct Energy Honors Co-founder of Home Repair Program as Central Illinois' Volunteer Citizen of the Year

Central Illinois (September 21, 2015) - Greg Woith was selected as this year's winner of the Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year award presented by Direct Energy and the Journal Star. Woith was recognized for co-founding and growing the Illinois Valley Fuller Center, an organization that helps low income families and veterans with critical home repairs.

"I cherish the opportunity to honor and serve those who put their lives at stake to serve our country," said Woith. "I'm humbled by this recognition and thankful that we can serve even more veterans with donations from Direct Energy."

Woith has left an influential mark on local veterans by meeting housing needs and serving the men and women who made sacrifices to serve others. He has coordinated 50 home repairs to local community members and veterans, which have resulted in a savings of over $55,000 to veterans. While coordinating with volunteers and local media, he has led countless fundraisers, including the Springdale Salute 5K run, which launched this past year and hosted over 80 runners. Since founding the center in 2013, Woith has planned 146 yard clean-ups, and has met with state representatives and local charities to share the organization's story.

"Mary's tireless work with the Partnership for Innovation in Education bridges gaps to better futures and generates innovative avenues for STEM education," said Tom Prisk, commercial manager for Direct Energy. "Her leadership and dedication is invaluable to Cincinnati's students, educators and future employers such as Direct Energy."

"Woith's recognition is a great example of a community leader stepping up to fulfill a need and honor our nation's heroes," said Chris Charbonneau, marketing manager at Direct Energy. "His organization is providing countless contributions that fill the lives of veterans and provide a sense of security to their homes."

"We are thrilled to honor Greg Woith as this year's Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year winner," said Ken Mauser, publisher of the Journal Star. "Greg is a true example of the amazing volunteers we have in Central Illinois."

As the winner of the Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year award, the Illinois Valley Fuller Center will receive a $5,000 donation from Direct Energy. The donation will be used to help build wheelchair ramps, replace windows, fix porches and other housing needs for veterans.

The Illinois Valley Fuller Center will celebrate the 50th home repair on Wednesday, September 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. During the celebration, Direct Energy and Journal Star will present a special award honoring Woith. The event will be attended by local veterans and the center's volunteers and will be held at South Side Mission (1127 S Laramie St, Peoria, IL 61605).

For further information, please contact:
Jessica Michan
Manager, External Relations
Jessica.Michan@directenergy.com
713-904-7488

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is a leading energy and energy-related services provider with nearly five million residential and commercial customers in North America. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

About Journal Star

Journal Star is a multimedia network of daily and weekly newspapers, weekly shoppers, and websites delivering news, information and advertising to over 1.2 million readers across Western Pennsylvania every week. Journal Star's targeted direct mail, promotional products, commercial printing, media planning and digital services deliver a variety of marketing solutions for advertisers big and small. In addition, Journal Star has formed strategic partnerships with community and non-profit organizations across the region, enabling Journal Star to conTRIBute and make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Visit TribTotalMedia.com and discover how we do things right. Here.