FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. July 5, 2022 — Mindy Butler, operations support specialist for the Harrison division, was recognized as the 2022 Black Hills Energy Volunteer of the Year for Arkansas and able to select a nonprofit organization for a charitable donation.
Because juvenile diabetes holds a special place in her heart due to her son, Luke, 10, having been diagnosed with the illness three years ago, Butler selected JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Northwest Arkansas, which provides resources and advocacy to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. Black Hills Energy contributed $250 to the organization.
Butler, who has been with Black Hills Energy for 10 years and served as a community ambassador since 2018, delivered the check to the local JDRF board. “It is pretty special because most of the board members have a type 1 diabetic in their immediate families, so they know the daily struggles these kiddos fight!”
As a Black Hills Energy ambassador, Butler has served as a Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce ambassador and coordinated service projects for the United Way of Boone County, Boone County Senior Activity & Wellness Center, Ozark Share & Care in Harrison, Loaves & Fishes Food Bank in Berryville and Grandma's House Children's Advocacy Center in three communities, among north Arkansas schools and other organizations.
“She has a very long history of giving back to the communities, said Mike Kite, senior operations manager. “Mindy has a very unselfish, servant’s spirit, and she is a leader in this division when it comes to helping others. Whether it’s Adopt-A-Highway, buying socks for the homeless or fans for the elderly, Mindy is the driving force behind the cause.”
Serving more than 180,000 customers in 100 communities in Arkansas, Black Hills Energy estimates it made a direct economic impact of over $113 million in the state in 2021 with compensation to nearly 450 employees; charitable giving; payments to suppliers; and property, sales and use taxes. The company’s 2021 community impact report also includes Arkansas employees contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours last year supporting nearly 150 community organizations.