Oconee Charity Project

On a regular day in Seneca, South Carolina, Joey Thigpen (APM Millwright) walked into work with a big beard, even bigger heart, and a very special idea. Joey solicited his brother’s, Matt Anderson (APM Millwright), agreement that they should offer to shave their grizzly beards in order to raise funds for charity during the holiday season. Joey and Matt shared their thoughts with Greg Gibbs (APM Superintendent) who was instantly hooked on the possibility. Together, they announced the offering to the crew at the morning meeting and agreed that all contributions would benefit Quint Shrine Club in Lyons, Georgia and Berry Elementary School in Berry, Alabama (where Greg’s autistic grandson attends school). Kevin “D9” Gray (APM Millwright) enthusiastically donated the first $1,000 toward the cause in the first week. The giving spirit spread throughout the crew and jobsite like wildfire, and many donated from their pockets and from the monetary safety awards received.

Travis Bowers (FieldCore Lead Field Engineer) was so inspired by the efforts and contributions taking place that he offered to cut his pony-tail off or match $2,000 if the donation reached $10,000. Within a matter of a few weeks, the crew and other site team members had raised the $10,000 for the charities. Joey and Matt lost their beards, and Travis lost his $2,000. All participants for the cause were especially cheery about the continued momentum for the charities.

See the below before and after pictures of the crew members with beards … and with baby smooth chins some time later.

Additional charitable efforts were coordinated onsite by APM Millwrights to purchase toys for local children in need. Each needy child was represented by a tag, and every tag was pulled by the employees. No child would be left unsponsored with this team! Collectively, they took on the opportunity to provide a happy holiday season for many children who may have otherwise not seen presents this year.

The APM scope of work (steam turbine retrofit) at Oconee Nuclear Station (Duke Energy) ended in mid-December, but the outstanding spirit of this crew lives on. Our APM Family across the business was extraordinarily inspired by the efforts the crew on this site. We are immensely proud to have such people representing our APM brand and mission, which is to improve the lives of people everywhere! To express APM’s collective gratitude toward this crew and support of the worthy causes, the company will donate $2,500 directly to Quint Shrine Club and Berry Elementary School. We also anticipate that other onsite contractors from the Oconee job will consider matching donations as well. What a powerful impact! More than $20,000 has been collectively donated to date. Thank you to everyone to has been part of this effort already and to those who will consider becoming engaged in the future. YOU have made a significant and profound difference in people’s lives.

More about Shriner’s International & Shiner’s Hospitals for Children

Through the remarkable foresight, commitment and fundraising skills of the Shriners nearly one million children have been treated at one of the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children across the United States, and in Canada and Mexico. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on the generous donations of Shriners, corporations and the general public to carry out our mission and improve the lives of children every day. Learn more about Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“Never does a Shriner stand so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” – Shriner’s International

More about Berry Elementary School

Berry Elementary School is a PreK-6 Title I school in Fayette County. It is located in rural Berry, Alabama, a small town situated 20 miles from the county seat. Students come from several small communities which are similar in economic status and diversity while most live in the outlying areas in the county. The school’s mission is to provide a safe, disciplined learning environment that empowers all students to develop their full potential. Educators focus on building leadership, common core, and relationships for life. Learn more about Berry Elementary School.

“In a consistently safe and healthy environment, all students can become responsible, respectful, and resourceful. We believe students learn best when actively engaged in the learning process. Education is a collaborative partnership involving school, family, and community.” – Berry Elementary School

More about APM

APM delivers industrial solutions for fossil, nuclear, boiler and specialty needs across the Americas. As a construction maintenance contractor, the organization provides multi-craft experts with proficiency in power services, aeroderivatives, industrial, power conversion, renewables, coal, and oil & gas maintenance. APM executes more than 1,000 outages annually, translating into over four million craft manhours. Leaders throughout the organization empower the APM team to embrace and maintain the highest levels of safety and quality, which ensures efficiency and pride at every jobsite. Learn more about APM.

“We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to improve the lives of craftspeople and every other person within their sphere of influence. Together, we can impact the world through safety, quality, pride, and compassion.” – APM