Members of the Pioneer Electric H.U.G.S. (Helping Us Give to Society) team presented the Southwest Friends of the Arts with a $3,000 H.U.G.S. grant on Friday, Oct. 16, at Memorial Hall in Hugoton. The club will use the funds to purchase a new sound system for upcoming shows and productions. The sound system will include eight wireless microphones, transmitters and a mixing board to run them.
“The addition of a sound system will be a huge benefit for the program,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services and H.U.G.S. team member. “The sound system will add to the enjoyment of future productions.”
Southwest Friends of the Arts will use the new sound system in its various productions. Performers wearing the mics will be able to be heard more clearly by those sitting in the audience during the troupe’s upcoming productions.
“A large percentage of our audience is hearing impaired,” said Janice Hollis, a charter member of Southwest Friends of the Arts. “Our audiences can be as many as 400 in attendance. With the new sound system, every member of the audience will be able to enjoy our productions.”
The new system will also be portable, allowing Southwest Friends of the Arts to take the system with them to the various venues where they perform. “It was a bonus that it’s portable,” said Hollis.
The H.U.G.S. team was formed to help give back to the many communities Pioneer Electric serves. Funds for community-focused projects are generated through the recycling of scrap pieces of steel, aluminum and copper taken out of service and awarded as funds allow. If you are interested in applying for funds, contact Anita Wendt, at 620-356-1211 or visit Pioneer Electric’s website at www.pioneerelectric.coop.