August 04, 2025

WPPI Energy members focus on value of community service

Member Utilities

Service is at the heart of what WPPI Energy member utilities deliver to help their communities thrive.

One example is the membership’s shared Value of Local Utility Program, which helps fund local utility contributions, community educational programs, economic development and nonprofit initiatives.

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this funding supports a 17-mile power walk that celebrates cancer survivors, honors those lost to the disease, and “pays it forward” to those facing hardship after a diagnosis, an accident or tragedy.

Dawn Lambert, a UP Pink Power event organizer for 12 years, said monetary support is essential to this charitable work. The organization has raised nearly $1 million through community contributions. With the help of donations, including an annual contribution of Value of Local Utility Program funds from Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, she said they can be “there for people going through travesties in the 906.”

“Every donation is vital to keeping us going,” Lambert said. “To me, that’s huge. All of those people who contribute to make sure we keep doing that work; when I think about it, it honestly just melts my heart.”

One of the people who helps ensure that happens is Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association Member Services Representative Elizabeth Branstrom.

While the walk focuses on cancer fighters, survivors and those lost to the illness, the contributions go to any neighbor in need.

“The organization is all about paying it forward,” Branstrom said, which she has seen firsthand.

“UP Pink Power has helped several people that I personally know who were going through cancer treatments, a house fire and a snowmobile accident,” Branstrom said.

Branstrom participates in the walk too. For more than a decade, she has rallied friends to join her to raise funds, sometimes wearing matching shirts with catchy phrases. Last year alone, she brought in more than $4,000 in pledges, ranking among the top individual fundraisers for the cause.

“There are many people [who] helped with these efforts,” Branstrom said. “They are people you know. They are your friends, neighbors and fellow community members. It’s all about supporting our local communities.”