For the sixth year, Gas South’s Bring the Heat campaign raised money for local nonprofits. The 2016 recipients stepping up to the plate to make a difference in Atlanta are The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
 
The final season at Turner Field was one to remember for the Atlanta Braves as well as these two organizations. For this year’s Bring the Heat campaign, Gas South donated $50 each time a Braves pitcher struck out an opponent, and this season Braves pitchers threw a total of 1,227 strikeouts – resulting in $61,350 raised for the two nonprofits.
 
“We’re proud to team up with the Atlanta Braves again this season to support The Salvation Army and United Way. Both organizations have a large impact on the communities where our employees and customers work, live and play – and it’s our corporate responsibility to give back,” said Kevin Greiner, Gas South president and CEO. “It was a momentous final season for the Braves at Turner Field, and we’re already looking forward to next season’s Bring the Heat campaign at SunTrust Park.”
 
Greiner presented the donation checks to Dennis Long of United Way and Atlanta Area Commander Major Todd Hawks of The Salvation Army at the Atlanta Braves game on September 13. At the same game, Greiner and Hawks also participated in the Turner Field Countdown – tearing down number 11 to represent the final 11 games at the stadium.
 
“We want to thank Gas South for once again helping us provide basic necessities for our neighbors in need,” said Hawks. “With support from partners like Gas South, we are able to provide 160,000 people with a warm meal, 108,000 men, women, and children with shelter, and help 2,389 families with energy assistance. The Salvation Army remains committed to doing the most good for suffering families in our community.”
 
“Communities can thrive and reach their greatest potential only if our children are thriving. That’s why our focus is on child well-being and making sure that every child has the opportunity to reach his or her greatest potential,” said Milton J. Little, Jr., United Way of Greater Atlanta president and CEO. “Gas South plays a key role in helping our organization create and maintain a thriving community by supporting United Way programs like Kids Home Initiative, Silence the Growl and Making Our Moms Successful.”
 
Gas South, the official natural gas provider and sponsor of the Atlanta Braves, has contributed nearly $350,000 to local nonprofit organizations since the Bring the Heat campaign’s inception in 2010. The company will remain the official natural gas partner as the Braves move to SunTrust Park for the 2017 season.