Month: May 2025
Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom
TEMPE, Ariz., May 19, 2025 /3BL/ — GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) today revealed the United States’ Most Entrepreneurial Cities of 2025. The rankings demonstrate both small and large cities are driving innovation, with unexpected underdogs emerging as entrepreneurial powerhouses alongside traditional business hubs.
Top 10 Most Entrepreneurial Cities in the U.S.
Using data from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab (formerly Venture Forward), a seven-year-old initiative that studies small business activity across the country, the 2025 ranking was determined following an analysis of cities with the highest number of new ventures created during the previous calendar year.
| City | Number of new businesses created |
Growth year over year |
| San Francisco, CA | 173,054 | 122 % |
| Los Angeles, CA | 153,681 | 50 % |
| Denver, CO | 63,010 | 56 % |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 11,180 | 21 % |
| Frankfort, IL | 10,370 | 16 % |
| Ontario, CA | 9,789 | 100 % |
| Wilmington, DE | 8,811 | 14 % |
| Wilmington, NC | 6,734 | 36 % |
| Katy, TX | 6,660 | 12 % |
| Alameda, CA | 6,300 | 83 % |
So, what does this mean?
- The Bay is back. Known as an innovation powerhouse, San Francisco leads the ranking with over 173,000 small businesses added, fueled by its deep-rooted tech culture, access to venture capital and highly skilled workforce. While neither San Francisco nor Alameda would have made the top 10 in 2024, both cities catapulted the Bay Area to this year’s leaderboard.
- Suburban markets are booming. Several smaller, suburban cities clinched a spot in the top 10, despite competing with well-known, large urban cities across the country. Frankfort, Ontario, Katy, and Alameda all emerged as new hotspots and challenge the idea of where entrepreneurship thrives.
- Wilmington is trending. There are 88 cities in the U.S. named Washington, and yet it’s two cities named Wilmington that made the top 10. Wilmington appears to be becoming a name synonymous with small business.
- Is California the new epicenter for small businesses? Despite its reputation for high costs, GoDaddy data shows multiple California cities are seeing significant entrepreneurial growth. With four cities on the list, California edges out other states with its increase in small business starts.
“Small businesses are vital in fueling growth across the country, but they don’t always get recognized for how much they punch above their weight,” said Gourav Pani, president, Independents at GoDaddy. “These rankings show new businesses emerging from every corner of the country, and entrepreneurs are proving they can succeed anywhere.”
You can find additional data on the 2025 Most Entrepreneurial Cities and read more about those ranked in the top 10 on GoDaddy’s website.
About the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab
The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab (formerly known as Venture Forward) analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence, defined by a unique domain and active website. Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, classifying them as microbusinesses. Since 2018, the program has surveyed more than 50,000 entrepreneurs, making it a leading source of data and insights on microbusiness trends. To learn more, visit www.godaddy.com/ventureforward.
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo™, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
Source: GoDaddy Inc.
Uplist Application to OTCQB Submitted in May 2025
WILMINGTON, Del., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. (OTCPK: AIEV) (“Thunder Power” or the “Company”), a technology innovator and developer of premium passenger Electric Vehicles (“EVs”) whose acquisition strategy is focused on addressing strategic gaps in the EV sector with a diversified approach across the clean energy value chain, today announced it has filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for the period ending March 31, 2025.
First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Summary
- Revenues were nil, consistent with the same period in 2024.
- Net loss was approximately $755,000, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, compared to $214,000, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2024.
- Operating expenses were approximately $755,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $214,000 in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher professional expenses incurred to support the Company as a listed entity, as well as increased consulting expenses. These increases were partially offset by lower research and development expenses.
- Cash position was $19,812 at quarter end.
- Executed Amendment of its Share Exchange Agreement with TW Company in January, and other in May 2025.
- Please see our recently filed 2025 first quarter Form 10-Q at www.SEC.gov for more information.
Subsequent to Quarter End
Thunder Power Holdings received a final delisting notice from Nasdaq following an April 15, 2025 hearing, resulting in the suspension of trading on Nasdaq and the removal of AIEV from related indices. Effective April 21, 2025, the company’s shares began trading on the OTC Pink Open Market under the symbol AIEV. In May, Thunder Power submitted its application to uplist to the OTCQB Venture Market, with plans to reapply for a Nasdaq listing once eligible. The Company stated that this transition does not affect its business operations or SEC reporting requirements and continues to pursue strategic initiatives, including its pending share exchange with Electric Power Technology Limited, which is publicly traded on the Taipei Exchange (TPEX) in Taiwan under its stock ticker symbol 4529, and ongoing M&A activities in the green energy sector.
Christopher Nicoll, Chief Executive Officer of Thunder Power, commented, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a differentiated electric vehicle platform, despite the challenges faced this quarter. Our team has continued to advance our product development roadmap and execute on our strategic initiatives, including the amended share exchange agreement with Electric Power Technology. While the current capital markets environment and the recent Nasdaq suspension have presented real obstacles, we are actively pursuing new financing avenues and partnerships to support our long-term vision. We believe the foundation we are laying today through disciplined operational management and a focus on innovation will position Thunder Power to capture emerging opportunities in the global EV market as we move closer to commercialization.”
Pending Share Exchange Transaction with Electric Power Technology Limited
On March 4, 2025, TW Company announced that it entered into equity trading agreements with shareholders of Laiyang Solar Energy Co. (Laiyang) and Jinlaiyang Solar Energy Co. (Jinlaiyang) for the purchase of 4.4 megawatts generation capacity, which are expected to provide additional solar energy exposure for both TW Company and Thunder Power. Solar generation in Taiwan represented 5% of the electricity market in 2024. The Taiwanese government has set a target for 15% of the island’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2025. Solar is forecasted to grow to 35% of total installed generation capacity by 2035. TW Company is listed on the Taipei Exchange under the code 4529.
Product Development, Partnerships, and Strategic Transactions
In parallel with ongoing EV product development, the Company executed significant strategic transactions to strengthen its platform and expand its international footprint. On December 19, 2024, Thunder Power entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with certain shareholders of Electric Power Technology Limited (“TW Company”), a Taiwan corporation. Under this agreement, as amended on January 27, 2025 and May 14, 2025, the Company will acquire approximately 30.8% of TW Company’s total issued and outstanding shares in exchange for newly issued shares of Thunder Power common stock. The transaction, which remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, is expected to enhance Thunder Power’s access to advanced technologies and manufacturing capabilities in Taiwan, supporting its long-term growth and global expansion strategy.
Additionally, the Company continues to pursue partnerships and capital market initiatives, including the implementation of a forward purchase agreement and a common stock purchase agreement with institutional investors. These arrangements are designed to provide Thunder Power with greater financial flexibility as it moves toward commercialization of its clean energy strategy.
About Thunder Power Holdings, Inc.
Thunder Power is a technology innovator and a developer of innovative electric vehicles (“EVs”). The Company has developed several proprietary technologies, which are the building blocks of the Thunder Power family of EVs. The Company is focused on design and development of high performance EVs, targeting markets initially in Asia & Europe. Thunder Power’s acquisition strategy is focused on addressing strategic gaps in the EV sector combined with a diversified approach across the clean energy value chain. For more information, please visit: https://aiev.ai/.
Contact:
AIEV Investor Relations
AIEV@dennardlascar.com
713-529-6600
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminologies such as “believes,” “expects” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including but not limited to, (i) operational risks, such as the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its business plan, its ability to complete the acquisition of Electric Power Technology Limited; its ability to receive stockholder approval to issue its common stock in relation to the Share Exchange Agreement; its ability to successfully acquire assets on terms that are favorable to the Company; its ability to integrate acquired assets effectively; and its ability to adapt operations in response to accidents, extreme weather events, natural disasters, and related economic effects; (ii) regulatory and compliance risks, such as the impact of new or amended governmental laws and regulations, including tariffs, clean energy policies, and environmental standards; changes in tax laws or tax-related matters; its ability to receive a successful audit outcome under Generally Accepted Accounting Standards; and its ability to maintain its listing on the Nasdaq Global Market or successfully transfer its listing to the Nasdaq Capital Market; (iii) financial risks, such as the Company’s liquidity position and ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; interest rate volatility; the Company’s current pre-revenue status and uncertainties surrounding its ability to generate revenue in the future, including potential delays in product development, market acceptance, or achieving profitability; (iv) market and industry risks, such as fluctuations in consumer acceptance and demand for electric vehicles; competition within the EV sector; the Company’s ability to integrate solar power technology into its products as part of clean energy innovation initiatives; fluctuations in the availability and cost of raw materials critical for EV production; and advancements in battery technology or alternative energy solutions that may impact market dynamics, and (v) such known factors as are detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time and available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors and those reported in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than as required under the applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thunder-power-holdings-inc-files-first-quarter-2025-form-10-q-302459473.html
SOURCE Thunder Power Holdings, Inc.
The Samaritan Inn and Dozens of Support Agencies at Risk Without Urgent Public Action
MCKINNEY, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Through late-night procedural maneuvers and a closed-door vote, Senate Bill 2623 (SB 2623) has moved out of committee and is now headed to the Texas House Calendars Committee. If scheduled for a floor vote, it could lead to the shutdown of veteran and homeless support services statewide, according to The Samaritan Inn.
SB 2623 prohibits homeless navigation service providers from operating within 1,500 feet of schools, colleges, and parks—without a grandfather clause for existing organizations. If passed, this bill would force The Samaritan Inn and other established providers to shut down or relocate, cutting off access to essential resources for thousands of Texans, including veterans.
“This bill is reactionary and harmful,” said Jill Scigliano, Chief Executive Officer, The Samaritan Inn. “We are not the problem—we are part of the solution.”
Last week, a scheduled hearing for SB 2623 was canceled just before midnight. Advocates who traveled to testify were never heard, and 296 submitted public comments were ignored. The bill initially failed, but a motion to reconsider reversed that outcome by a 6–5 vote.
Local agencies confirmed to be affected include The Samaritan Inn, City House, The Storehouse of Collin County, Mission Oak Cliff, All Community Outreach, Agape Resource Center, The Stewpot, Vogel Alcove / Family Gateway, and Hope Restored Missions.
The exclusion zones in SB 2623 exceed those applied to sex offenders, and the bill offers no process for appeal or exemption.
Take Action Now
There is still time to stop this bill. The most effective action is to visit the Capitol in Austin and submit a red card opposing SB 2623 to the Calendars Committee. If you can’t go in person, please contact the below committee members by phone:
Todd Hunter – 512-463-0672
Toni Rose – 512-463-0664
Terry Canales – 512-463-0426
Stan Gerdes – 512-463-0682
Cody Harris – 512-463-0730
Ana Hernandez – 512-463-0614
Ann Johnson – 512-463-0389
Jeff Leach – 512-463-0544
Janie Lopez – 512-463-0640
Ramon Romero, Jr. – 512-463-0740
Carl Tepper – 512-463-0676
Calling is most effective but if no answer, please email using this format: firstname.lastname@house.texas.gov
Say: “I oppose SB 2623. Please keep it in Calendars. This bill would shut down essential homeless and veteran services our communities depend on.”
Media Contact:
The Samaritan Inn
395402@email4pr.com
(972) 542-5302
www.saminn.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/senate-bill-2623-threatens-to-shut-down-veteran-and-homeless-services-across-texas-says-the-samaritan-inn-302459500.html
SOURCE The Samaritan Inn
A Three-Day Celebration Amplifies Black Arts, Economic Empowerment, and Community Impact During Black Business Month
SALT LAKE CITY, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Unity Block Party, Utah’s largest Black-led cultural event, returns for its third year as a three-day cultural and economic powerhouse from August 29–31, 2025. Headlined by Grammy-nominated performance vocalist Durand Bernarr, this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever—showcasing Black excellence at the intersection of music, business, and community during Black Business Month.
The Unity Block Party kicks off on Friday, August 29 with an outdoor film screening and panel discussion presented in partnership with Sundance Institute, followed by an all-day cultural celebration on Saturday, August 30, and concludes with a powerful Black Creatives Excellence Brunch on Sunday, August 31, spotlighting thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders shaping Utah’s future.
This year’s featured talent includes:
Miles Minnick, Honey Bxby, The King Will Come, Quail, Cure For Paranoia, Evolution Of The Revolution, Afia Chin, Detzany, Nubia Soul Goddess, Bunny, and Corey Stefon
with hosts including Shaadie, Nayo Campbell (Utah Jazz), Deja Brown (KSL Utah, and CJ Miles (Former Utah Jazz Player).
Festival sponsors and partners include Block, Sundance Institute, Rocky Mountain Power, Uncle Nearest, Redmond Re-Lyte, Shadow Mtn Productions, SLC ACE Grant, ZAP Grant, and community allies such as Utah Film Commission, The Blocks Art District, and Avanza Utah.
“I’m honored to headline the Unity Block Party because it’s about more than music—it’s about movement,” said Durand Bernarr. “We’re showing up fully, loudly, and joyfully in a space that’s never seen anything like this before. This isn’t just a show—it’s a statement that needs to be experienced.”
From the mainstage energy of Saturday’s Block Party to the intentional networking of Sunday’s brunch, Unity Block Party 2025 provides:
- A launchpad for Black-led startups and creatives, strengthening Utah’s $512.1 million arts economy.
- A catalyst for economic mobility, connecting underrepresented entrepreneurs with new audiences and corporate partners.
- A safe, joyful space for culture, community, and celebration in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
“What started as a memorial installation in 2020 has evolved into a national movement,” said Michelda G. Castro, founder of Versatile Image and event organizer of the Unity Block Party. “This weekend is a love letter to our community—and a blueprint for how art, culture, and economic justice can come together to build a better future.”
Events include:
Day 1 — Outdoor Film Screening
In partnership with the Sundance Institute, the Unity Block Party kicks off with an outdoor screening of a major award-winning film that premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Library Square | 7PM–11PM | FREE
Day 2 — Benefit Concert headlined by Durand Bernarr
A full-day celebration with live music, food vendors, Black-owned businesses, DJs, and immersive art
Library Square | 11AM–11PM (Concert 5PM) | $30–$150
Day 3 — Black Creatives Excellence Brunch
In partnership with OurSundays, this intimate, invite-only brunch centers economic advancement, business innovation, and networking
Neutral Ground Lounge | 11AM–3PM | $55–$95
Discover the “U” in Community. Join the Movement.
Press credentials, media kits, and sponsorship opportunities available here.
ABOUT UNITY BLOCK PARTY
Founded in 2020, the Unity Block Party is a nationally recognized, Black-led festival designed to celebrate cultural excellence, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation. Anchored in Salt Lake City and powered by community partnerships, the event brings together thousands of attendees each year to champion equity, creativity, and collective progress.
Contact:
Kenny Williams Jr.
National PR Lead, Unity Block Party
kennywilliamsjrbookings@gmail.com
313-525-6783
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unity-block-party-returns-for-2025-with-grammy-nominated-headliner-durand-bernarr-and-a-mission-to-uplift-black-culture-business-and-creativity-in-utah-302459445.html
SOURCE Versatile Image
The appointees bring decades of expertise supporting nonprofits and community organizations to expand the impact of Native Forward Scholars Fund.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, announced today the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, as well as four leadership appointments among its existing Board Members.
The new Board Members bring decades of experience supporting nonprofits, corporations, and community organizations:
- Rohit Menezes, Partner in Bridgespan’s San Francisco office, with more than 15 years of experience as an advisor to a wide range of nonprofits/NGOs and foundations in the United States and India
- Katherine Carlton (Chugach), Member of Chugach’s executive leadership team, overseeing Chugach’s community and regional development, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) lands, and cultural resources; and President of Chugach Regional Development, and Chugach Tribal Services
- Ben Notti (Athabascan), Senior Associate at Pt Capital, a private equity firm in Alaska
Menezes, Carlton and Notti join the existing Board of Directors in their mission to improve higher education outcomes for Native students.
In addition, four current Board Members are serving in the following leadership roles:
- Lillian Sparks Robinson (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), former Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), has been named Chair
- Franklin “Hud” Oberly, Jr. (Comanche, Osage & Caddo), Founder and Creative Director of Here’s To You, has been named Vice Chair
- Cecilia Gutierrez, Managing Director, Portfolio Lead at Blue Meridian Partners will continue to serve as Treasurer
- Amber Garrison (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Global Brand President of Origins, will continue to serve as Secretary
“I’m thrilled to welcome Rohit, Katherine, and Ben to our board,” said Angelique Albert (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native Forward. “They both bring incredible experience working with nonprofits and community organizations, as well as a commitment to supporting Native-led organizations. I’m confident their expertise will help us amplify our impact in supporting Native students pursuing higher education.”
“I’m excited to contribute to Native Forward’s work to expand access to quality higher education for all Native students. I look forward to working with the Board and Native Forward staff team to support this important mission,” said Rohit Menezes.
“As a Chugach shareholder, I’m honored to join the Board. Native Forward is a trailblazer in empowering the next generation of Native leaders, and I’m eager to bring my expertise to support this important mission,” said Katherine Carlton.
“Native Forward is an innovator, breaking down systemic barriers to higher education for Native students. I’m excited to advise the organization as a Board Member,” said Ben Notti.
About Native Forward:
Native Forward Scholars Fund is the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students for greater economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty for scholars and Tribal communities. The organization is committed to ensuring that every Native student who wants to pursue higher education has the resources to do so. Over 55 years, it has empowered over 22,000 scholars from more than 500 Tribes in all 50 states and contributed to over 1,700 law degrees and more than 2,200 PhD degrees. By pairing scholarships with meaningful, culturally relevant student support and programming, Native Forward has succeeded in increasing the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41% for Native students, and has boosted the rate for graduate students to 95%.
Contact: Josefin Dolsten
josefin@brysongillette.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/native-forward-announces-new-board-members-302459424.html
SOURCE Native Forward Scholars Fund
Step into the lobby of T-Mobile’s Bellevue, Washington, headquarters on a spring day in April, and you might assume the buzz in the air was all business — until the barking began. The source? A pack of irresistibly adoptable pups wagging tails and melting hearts. Thanks to T-Mobile’s work with P.A.W.S. – Progressive Animal Awareness Society, employees on campus had the chance to take home new furry family members, with all 11 puppies adopted. It was undeniably one of the cutest ways to give back — but far from the only one. The event was part of T-Mobile’s third annual Magenta Giving Month, a companywide movement where employees across the country roll up their sleeves for causes that matter in the communities they call home.
Team Magenta has delivered heartwarming results through time, sweat equity and good old-fashioned generosity over the past couple of years. While 2023’s initial Magenta Giving Month efforts led to an impressive $2 million in donations, T-Mobile and its employees raised a whopping $2.6 million in 2024.
Now in its third year, Magenta Giving Month has reached a new high: more than 27,000 volunteer hours and $3.3 million donated to communities in need. With 875 pints of blood, thousands of STEM kits, and enough food packed to feed a small stadium, it’s safe to say T-Mobile’s Magenta magic is real.
“Every year, this moment is about more than just volunteering,” says Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile, and this year’s Magenta Giving Month executive co-sponsor. “It’s about coming together as One Team, Together to make a real impact in our communities.”
Starting April 1, every T-Mobile employee receives a $30 donation credit from The T-Mobile Foundation. They can use it to support a nonprofit of their choice — whether it’s focused on education, healthcare, environmental conservation or another cause they care about. The Foundation’s mission is to make a difference by mobilizing the company’s brand, technology and people for social good — and Magenta Giving Month brings that mission to life in a big way.
Many employees went beyond donations by volunteering at events hosted coast to coast. Throughout April, T-Mobile campuses were alive with activity as employees teamed up with nonprofit partners like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Food Lifeline, Harvesters and the American Red Cross. Whether they were packing STEM kits, sorting essentials for food-insecure families, or literally saving lives through blood drives, their impact reached far and wide.
Fighting Hunger Across the Country
Ben Burgess, Corporate Relations Manager for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, knows firsthand how crucial those efforts are.
“Roughly one in nine Georgians are food insecure, and one in six children in our 29-county service area,” Burgess says. “We’ve seen the need grow by almost 60% in the last three years. This year, we’re on pace to distribute over 125 million pounds of food to the over 700,000 people we serve.”
At T-Mobile’s Atlanta event alone, employee volunteers sorted nearly 17,000 pounds of food — enough to serve over 14,000 meals.
Meanwhile, at T-Mobile’s Overland Park, Kansas, headquarters, the rhythm of 10,000 sack lunches being packed for Harvesters echoed through the halls.
“The Give Lunch bags that T-Mobile is providing help tremendously,” says Paula Pratt, Director of Community Engagement for Harvesters. “Our organization serves 27 counties across Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri, with more than 900 partner agencies serving 226,000 people every month. Many of these are distributed through our Food+ Program, at libraries, bus stops, health-care facilities and other places people go to find help like pantries and summer feeding programs.”
Pratt points out that demand remains sky high with grocery prices still elevated, making the support more critical than ever.
And over near Bellevue, employees matched that hustle, sorting more than 11,000 pounds of food for Food Lifeline, a hunger relief organization serving 17 counties and nearly 300 meal programs across Western Washington.
“Since 2019, we’ve continued to see a rise in the number of clients we serve every year,” says Marisa Kent-Guerra, Corporate Relations Officer for Food Lifeline. “And with major budget cuts looming, our work is more vital than ever.”
Partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs for STEM Success
Beyond food insecurity, T-Mobile employees also powered up the future by partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs to build thousands of STEM kits across the country.
In Overland Park alone, employees packed 4,480 STEM kits, while Bellevue added another 4,200 kits. In Frisco, Texas, employees packed 2,240 kits, plus another 840 kits in Herndon, Virginia.
“This is the second year T-Mobile’s Kansas City employees have come together to help the kids we serve at our 11 clubs,” says Katie Onello, Resource Development Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City (GKC). “Our goal for 2025 is to serve 5,200 kids by combatting learning loss over the summer and providing safe places outside of school.”
T-Mobile also provided each organization with cash as a result of the 2:1 match on volunteer hours. In April alone, the TMO Foundation provided $601K through volunteer-hour matching. That means for the Boys & Girls Clubs of GKC, the Un-carrier added almost $13K on top of the STEM kits.
In Washington, Jules Pollack, Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, says the impact is undeniable.
“These kits provide hands-on learning experiences that help kids build problem-solving skills and spark an interest in STEM careers. The energy during these events has been incredible.”
On the other side of the country, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington serves 24 clubhouses across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, where 100% of their youth graduate high school.
“T-Mobile generously covered the cost of the kits and materials and even reimbursed us for a U-Haul when we needed extra transportation!” says Jasmine Culver, Director of STEM at BGCGW.
Serving Up Good: Donating Blood, Planting Trees, and Scooping Froyo for a Cause
And when it comes to life-saving efforts, T-Mobile once again joined forces with the American Red Cross, hosting 26 blood drives together and with seven other blood collection organizations.
“In the U.S., someone needs blood every two seconds,” says Mario Brown, National Partnerships Manager at the American Red Cross. “Last year, T-Mobile collected 454 units with us — potentially helping about 1,362 people.”
This year, T-Mobile collected 693 units of blood through its drives with the Red Cross, potentially saving up to 2,079 lives. When combined with other blood drive partners, the company helped collect 875 total units during Magenta Giving Month.
To add a sweet spin to giving back, T-Mobile leaders hosted “Froyo for Good” pop-ups in support of local organizations like Mary’s Place and Seattle Humane. And at events in four locations across the country, volunteers planted more than 150 trees as part of a partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation.
Magenta Giving Month made one thing clear: T-Mobile’s commitment to using its scale and resources for good — in communities big and small — continues by empowering employees to come together and make a difference.
BRAINTREE, Mass., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Westport Group (TWG), a veteran-operated business in Braintree, MA, has once again teamed up with America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) to race in the time-honored Figawi Race on Memorial Day weekend from Hyannis, MA to Nantucket, MA. The veteran-led team will be sailing to raise awareness and funds to fight veteran suicide.
“At AWP, suicide prevention is not a stand-alone program,” says AWP President and CEO Jim Lorraine, “but rather, the outcome of best-in-class service, collaboration, care, compassion, and productive partnerships that begin with a trusted, meaningful relationship.” AWP is working to grow in local and national partnerships with 4,000 partners working with the AWP Network in addition to their multi-year veteran suicide study, Operation Deep Dive™.
The team of veterans will race aboard the Defender, led by female captain, Martha Kristian. According to Kristian, “Our past efforts have resulted in raised awareness, driving increased activity from at-risk veterans reaching out for help – a response directly linked to the exposure we receive during the race.” TWG Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Chris Kristian, added, “Along with providing outcome-based solutions, AWP is doing fantastic research along with Duke Medical to identify at-risk veterans. This is a team effort supported by the entire TWG organization, and we’re fortunate to use the race as a platform.” Chris added, “While the cause behind why we race is serious, our team is equally serious about winning.”
The Westport Group has raised over $50,000 in support of AWP’s mission in the last year.
The Defender will be crewed by veterans and TWG personnel including:
Chris Kristian, The Westport Group, Executive Vice President and Managing Director – former infantry officer who served in several of the Army’s most elite units.
Gary Terry, The Westport Group, Executive Vice President and Managing Director
David Fridovich, AWP Board Member – Lieutenant General United States Army (retired) and former Deputy Commander U.S. Special Operations Command; Fridovich was the Army’s highest-ranking Special Forces Officer at the time of his retirement.
Bobbi Scroggin, US Army Veteran, who served a tour in Afghanistan. Bobbi was an All-Army boxer and the former coach of West Point’s women’s boxing team. Currently, she is a Relationship Executive at JP Morgan.
About America’s Warrior Partnership
America’s Warrior Partnership is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide. They connect local veteran-serving organizations with the appropriate resources, services, and partners to support veterans, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life. Their goal is to improve veterans’ quality of life and end veteran suicide by empowering local communities to serve them proactively and holistically before a crisis occurs.
Learn more at americaswarriorpartnership.org or @AWPartnership.
About The Westport Group
The Westport Group’s proprietary insurance coverage empowers companies to offer top talent a greater amount of protection from the financial challenges of an unexpected disability. As an innovator and industry leader, TWG serves their clients with bespoke products, intuitive service, and unwavering integrity. TWG is a veteran-operated business and proud supporter of America’s Warrior Partnership and the Figawi Charities. If you’d like to help us make a difference, we welcome you to donate today.
For more information, please visit westportgp.com.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterans-set-sail-in-figawi-race-to-fight-veteran-suicide-302459339.html
SOURCE AWP
