Celebrating 175 Years with Purpose: First of Three $175,000 Community Gifts Announced
Celebrating 175 Years with Purpose: First of Three $175,000 Community Gifts Announced
As Virginia Natural Gas marks its 175th anniversary, we’re celebrating not just our history, but our future, by investing in the communities we proudly serve. We’re thrilled to announce the first of three major community gifts: a $175,000 donation from the Virginia Natural Gas Foundation to Peake Childhood Center (PCC), a Hampton Roads nonprofit dedicated to preparing children for kindergarten, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
This gift is part of a broader commitment to support impactful, local organizations that align with our mission of fueling the future—together.
Shannon O. Pierce, President and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, emphasized the significance of this partnership, “As we celebrate our 175th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to being a vital part of the communities we serve. Peake’s motto, ‘growing promising futures,’ resonates deeply with us. Workforce development transcends job creation—it’s about understanding and meeting the broader needs of our families and communities. By partnering with organizations like Peake, we amplify our impact and drive meaningful change.”
The Peake Childhood Center provides high-quality, affordable preschool programs that nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Their inclusive model welcomes all families, especially those facing economic hardship, and offers sliding-scale tuition to ensure access to early education. PCC also fosters strong parent involvement and community partnerships to support school readiness.
Jennifer B. Parish, Ed.D., Executive Director of PCC, shared, “With 40% of children in Virginia lacking the skills needed for success in school, access to high-quality childcare is critical. Peake’s programs not only prepare children for school but also enable parents to participate in the workforce—strengthening families and our local economy.”
This donation will help PCC continue its mission of providing equitable opportunities for children and families—an essential part of our holistic approach to workforce development in Hampton Roads.
Stay tuned as we announce the next two recipients of our 175th anniversary community gifts. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for all.