Delaware Electric Co-op member named winner in national contest

Delaware Electric Cooperative member Karli Swope has been named a winner in Touchstone Energy's national #Whopowersyou contest. Swope was named a winner for her efforts to rescue and care for animals at the Grass Roots Rescue Society, which she co-founded.

The contest asked members of electric cooperatives across the country to nominate individuals who have made a difference in their communities. Swope was nominated by her friend Bonnie Arvay. Her entry received more than 1,200 online votes during the contest.

Arvay says, "In the time that I've known Karli Swope, my appreciation for the work she does, day in and day out, has not stopped growing. Over $50,000 has been spent in that time on community aid, mostly in the form of medical assistance to animals in need, resulting in an untold number of animal lives being saved. She powers both my community and my belief in humanity."

Swope and Brittani Clegg founded Grass Roots Rescue Society in 2013 in Rehoboth. Since then, Swope, Clegg and volunteers have helped rescue and find homes for more than 600 dogs, cats and other animals.

The rescue will receive a $150 donation from Touchstone Energy and a $1,000 donation from Delaware Electric Cooperative as a result of Swope being named a contest winner. The money will help the Grass Roots Rescue Society further its mission to help needy animals across Delaware.

Touchstone Energy represents a nationwide alliance of member-owned electric co-ops, including Delaware Electric Cooperative. For more information about the contest and to view other winning entries, go to www.whopowersyou.com. To read more about the work of the Grass Roots Rescue Society, go to www.grrde.org.