Winners announced for World of Energy Festival of Trees

Duke Energy Communications Consultant Mikayla Kreuzberger, left, presents Fostering Faithfully volunteer Susan Pirkle with the Festival of Trees second place prize, $1,500.

Duke Energy grants $5,000 to local nonprofit organizations

SENECA, S.C. – Duke Energy’s World of Energy education center at Oconee Nuclear Station today presented $5,000 to the organizations of the top three winning trees of its Festival of Trees display.

In first place, the Tribble Center received $2,500; in second place, Fostering Faithfully received $1,500; and, in third place, Beta Sigma Phi’s Xi Master Chapter 1880 of Seneca received $1,000 for its nonprofit of choice, Safe Harbor.

The Festival of Trees is a free, public display of more than 20 beautifully decorated trees. While the display was open, members of the public voted on their favorite tree. This year, nearly 1,700 votes were cast by visitors.

“The Festival of Trees gets better each year because of the creativity of our participants,” Duke Energy spokesperson Mikayla Kreuzberger said. “Our neighbors look forward to this event every year and we are honored to host it for our community.”

The World of Energy has hosted the Festival of Trees for six years. In addition to the tree display, the World of Energy hosted several holiday events, including photos with Santa Claus. Those who would like to inquire about decorating a tree in 2019 can email worldofenergy@duke-energy.com or call 864.873.4600. There is no charge to decorate a tree. Registration begins in the fall of 2019.

About the World of Energy

Whether you’re looking to fill an hour or an entire afternoon, Duke Energy’s World of Energy at Oconee Nuclear Station can educate and enlighten. Many guests enjoy starting with the educational exhibits located inside our education center. From there, you can tour our butterfly garden or take a walk along our nature trail. Picnic shelters, located along the beautiful shores of Lake Keowee, are available for those who want to end their visit with an outdoor lunch. 

The World of Energy hosts events throughout the year, including guest speakers, community forums, art displays, entertainment and much more. For more information, contact the World of Energy at 864.873.4600 or visit duke-energy.com/WorldOfEnergy.

Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company’s Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.

Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

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