Rockland Community Foundation Honors O&R for Its Support

From the Rockland Community Foundation: The Rockland Community Foundation (RCF), one of the area’s largest philanthropic organizations, honored Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) Thursday evening for O&R’s assistance in developing initiatives to support, enhance and promote the foundation’s work.

RCF presented the award to O&R during RCF’s annual fund-raising gala at the Hudson Water Club in West Haverstraw.

RCF is a 501c3, not-for-profit organization that manages a significant number of donor fund accounts through a portfolio of investments to create a self-sustaining, long-term charitable endowment. The profits from those investments are directed toward endeavors that result in community improvement through grants, scholarships, disaster relief and other community enhancement efforts.

“Who else could we have chosen to honor but O&R?” said Lawrence A. Codispoti, Rockland Community Foundation President. “It’s a no brainer. They are a strong supporter and we share the same philosophy of doing the most good possible right here in our local communities.”

The Rockland Community Foundation holds more charitable funds and touches a wider range of non-profit causes than any other organization in Rockland County. It has made considerable strides to establish itself as a sound vehicle through which individuals and organizations can support non-profit causes in Rockland County and surrounding areas.

In 2016, RCF distributed more than $200,000 in grants to local non-profit causes and scholarships to deserving students.

In accepting RCF’s award on behalf of the 1,100 people who work at O&R, O&R Vice President – Operations Francis Peverly said, “There is much that O&R and the Foundation share. The first is a strong and meaningful connection with the people of Rockland County. Our roots are firmly fixed, and the local community that counts on our services trusts that we’ll be here when it needs us. When it comes to the services O&R provides for our Rockland customers, we are dedicated to making those services safe, reliable and affordable. Donors who’ve entrusted their funds to the foundation know that those same three words apply to RCF.”

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, is a regulated utility. It provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company) and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York.

Photo courtesy of RCF ( The Rockland Community Foundation (RCF) honored Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) at RCF’s annual gala fundraiser Thursday evening for supporting, enhancing and promoting the foundation’s work. Pictured here at the awards’ ceremony are, from left: O&R Vice President – Customer Service Edwin Ortiz, RCF Board of Directors’ President Lawrence A. Codispoti, O&R Vice President – Operations Francis Peverly and O&R’s Director – Corporate Affairs Tom Brizzolara. Rockland Community Foundation Honors O&R for Its Support)