Virginia Natural Gas Celebrates 175 Years by Honoring Community Champions
Recognizing The Union Mission with a $175,000 VNG Foundation grant and a day of service to support its life-changing work in Hampton Roads
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – September 11, 2025 – Virginia Natural Gas is commemorating 175 years of service, innovation and community partnership by celebrating the organizations that make a lasting impact across Hampton Roads.
As part of its anniversary, the company is recognizing The Union Mission Ministries, a nonprofit that has served the region for more than 130 years. The Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, clothing, job training, counseling and recovery programs to hundreds of individuals and families each day. In 2024, it served nearly 190,000 meals, provided more than 72,000 nights of shelter and conducted over 9,500 case management and counseling sessions.
To support this vital work, the Virginia Natural Gas Foundation is awarding The Union Mission a $175,000 grant. The recognition spans two meaningful days: first, Virginia Natural Gas employees will participate in a dedicated day of service, volunteering alongside Mission staff to assist with daily operations and connect directly with those served by the organization. The following day, the company will formally present the grant during a special event featuring a proclamation ceremony and remarks from community leaders and elected officials, honoring Virginia Natural Gas’ 175-year legacy and its continued investment in Hampton Roads.
“Celebrating 175 years of Virginia Natural Gas’ service to our customers and communities has provided us with a special opportunity to recognize organizations that elevate the region,” said Shannon O. Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas. “Supporting The Union Mission reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and empowering individuals. When families are supported with essential resources and opportunities, they are better positioned to thrive. Together, we are helping build a more resilient Hampton Roads for everyone.”
Rev. John Gray Jr., executive director of The Union Mission Ministries, added, “We are deeply grateful to Virginia Natural Gas for this generous gift and for choosing to celebrate their milestone by investing in the lives of those we serve. Their partnership helps us continue our mission of offering hope, healing and a path forward to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we are making a lasting difference in our community.”
Virginia Natural Gas remains committed to investing in the people and organizations that make Hampton Roads stronger. Alongside The Union Mission and other community partners, Virginia Natural Gas is fueling the future—together.
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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, and was named 2024 LDC of the Year by the VA Dept of Energy and VA Oil & Gas Association. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
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mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html