Cobb EMC Foundation

Working together to help our neighbors in need through local non-profits.

 

Many generous Cobb EMC members round their bills up each month, through Operation Round Up. Every dollar contributed through Operation Round Up goes directly to supporting nonprofits that are making a difference within Cobb EMC's five-county service area. 

A voluntary board of Cobb EMC members oversee the distribution of these funds. As a third-party foundation separate from Cobb EMC employees and directors, the Cobb EMC Foundation board makes decisions based on funds available and the community impact of requests.

    Total donations to date: $9,375,840

    Request Funding

    The 2026 Yearly Initiative Application Will Open October 1, 2025 

    Organizations are encouraged to apply for all their 2026 needs without a maximum dollar limit. The Cobb EMC Foundation Annual Awards will be announced in March 2026.

    Deadline for completed applications: November 1, 2025

    Contact Helen Wilson at (678)355-3271 or email Helen.Wilson@cobbemc.com with any inquiries.

    Reporting Form for Funds Received January-October 2024

    You must complete the post grant reporting form and submit to Cobb EMC within the calendar year to be considered for future funding requests. 

    Mission

    To carefully assess the financial requests of charitable organizations, and to apply our collective wisdom to the allocation of available funds for the benefit of the community and the members we serve.

    Impact Report

    Recipients

    Each month, the Cobb EMC Foundation board of directors administers Operation Round Up funds to local nonprofits with outreach programs that benefit members within Cobb EMC's five-county service area.

    $67,799 donated in January 2024 | $84,800 donated in February 2024 | $76,950 donated in March 2024 | $76,000 donated in April 2024 | $80,900 donated in May 2024 | $77,700 donated in June 2024 | $79,400 donated in July 2024 | $78,100 donated in August 2024 | $78,200 donated in September 2024 | $77,792 donated in October 2024

    $77,000 donated in January 2023

    $77,700 donated in February 2023

    $74,400 donated in March 2023

    $75,500 donated in April 2023

    $76,800 donated in May 2023

    $76,800 donated in June 2023

    $74,050 donated in July 2023

    $77,200 donated in August 2023

    $76,100 donated in September 2023

    $76,400 donated in October 2023

    $76,000 donated in November 2023

    $76,515 donated in December 2023

    The following Cobb EMC members serve on the board:

    • Amy Arra
    • Thomas Beusse
    • Curt Earnest
    • Rocky Holland
    • Paul Letalien
    • Marlon Longacre
    • Michele Sutcliffe
    • Heather Trainor
    • Stephanie Valentine

    The voluntary Cobb EMC Foundation board is composed of nine members residing in the Cobb EMC service area. As third-party foundation separate from Cobb EMC employees and directors, the Foundation board administers and distributes the funds collected through Operation Round Up. Decisions made by the volunteer board are based on funds available and the community impact of requests.

    The Cobb EMC Foundation logo is available for use following the below guidelines, which help protect the brand:

    • The Cobb EMC Foundation logo should only be used on a white background.
    • Never modify the Cobb EMC Foundation logo. This includes stretching or distorting the logo, using the icon or logotype by itself and altering the colors, fonts or construction.


    Cobb EMC Foundation Logo

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    Cobb EMC Foundation Logo

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    Hear From a Grant Recipient

    "Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding has been privileged to be the recipient of the Cobb EMC Foundation’s generous gifts over the past few years. These contributions have been vital in the development and success of our program and have enabled us to continue to provide services for the Special Needs community throughout NW Georgia. Many of our participants are overwhelmed with medical expenses and long-term therapy services.

    Through Cobb EMC’s giving, we have been able to subsidize our true lesson costs in order to keep our Therapeutic Riding sessions affordable. Their charitable gift also enabled us to purchase a new horse for our program a few years ago. I am happy to report that ‘Snickers’ continues to be a great asset to our equine team and is thoroughly loved by all his riders and volunteers. He is happy, healthy, and going strong! We can not thank the Cobb EMC Foundation enough for their unwavering support of Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding and the amazing community of people we serve. We look forward to a continued relationship, and together, making an impact in the lives of the outstanding horses and humans we love!"

    - Kristen Moreland, Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding

     Cobb EMC Foundation Board Members

    Amy Arra

    Amy Arra Foundation Board Member

    Amy is a lead learning Operations Specialist at PowerPlan Inc., where she has dedicated the last 15 years of her career. She resides in Acworth with her husband, Chris, of 26 years and they are proud parents to a grown daughter. In her free time, she is an avid reader and enjoys walking, spending time with family, and actively volunteers in her community and church. 

    Thomas Beusse

    Thomas Beusse Foundation Board Member

    Thomas is currently the VP of Business Development (Georgia) at Path Company. Utilizing experience gained throughout his career in government, government relations, and private industry, Thomas utilizes his unique perspective to assist governments throughout Georgia attain their policy, fiscal, sustainability, and energy efficiency goals. A native of Madison County, Georgia, Thomas and his wife Frances, along with children Quinton and June, have been Cobb County residents for over fifteen years. Thomas is a U.S. Navy veteran, an alumnus of the University of Georgia, where he remains involved in the School of Public and International Affairs, a graduate of Leadership Georgia Class of 2024, and serves locally as a founding board member of Thornhill Preparatory Academy Charter School. 

    Curt Earnest

    Curt Earnest Foundation Board Member

    Curt Earnest is the Chief Operating Officer at the Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA). He oversees general operations, facility management, tenant relationships, financial accounting, and GMTA's IT areas. Prior to joining GMTA, Curt held several leadership positions. He owned and operated a remodeling firm with his brother and before this, worked for IBM in various marketing sales and management roles. Curt has served as a volunteer at LGE Community Credit Union for ten years and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. Raised in Georgia, Curt graduated from Walton High School and earned a B.S. in Business Communications with an emphasis in Marketing from Kennesaw State University. Curt and his wife Jan live in Marietta and have three adult children. They are active members of Marietta Community Church. Curt enjoys spending time with his family, working on home improvement projects and cars. 

    Rocky Holland

    Rocky Holland Foundation Board Member

    Rocky and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for fifty-three years and have resided in Cobb County for over twenty-eight years. He received his B.B.A., Accounting and Finance, from West Georgia College in 1972 and his Certified Public Accounting Certificate in 1982. Rocky has over forty-five years of business experience with a background that blends results-oriented General Management with a strong financial orientation. The majority of that experience was with the Mead Corporation in accounting, administrative and logistics management at the operating and division levels with a strong focus on team building and process improvement. 

    Paul Letalien

    Paul Letalien Foundation Board Member

    Paul grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, and moved to Georgia in 1989. His education includes New Hampshire College, New Hampshire Technical Institute, Franklin Pierce College, and Kennesaw College. Paul founded Archer Restoration Services in late 1999 and sold that company in 2019. He is currently a partner at Triton Property Management as well as Governor's Gun Club in Kennesaw. He is part owner of Pizza by Fuscos in Acworth and Vibo Valentia Enterprises. Paul is also the president of Cyclone Solutions Inc. Paul served on the Cobb County School Foundation Board for over six years and is an active community member. Paul has been married for over 30 years to Cathy Letalien. He likes to travel, ride motorcycles and bicycles in his free time. He and his wife attend church at Branches of Christ in Acworth. 

    Marlon Longacre

    Marlon Longacre Foundation Board Member

    Marlon is an Associate Pastor at Piedmont Church and has served 26 years in Ministry. He has been married for 38 years to his lovely wife, Libby Longacre. They have three boys, Todd, Jabob, and Matthew. They have also been blessed with a granddaughter, Emma Grace. Marlon has been the Chairman of the Big Shanty Festival since 2003, the Christmas at Piedmont Chairman since 2012, and the Northeast Cobb Egg Drop Chairman since 2012. 

    Michele Sutcliffe

    Michele Sutcliffe

    Michele Sutcliffe has been a Cobb resident and a member of Cobb EMC for 30 years. She holds a Bachelor's degree from George Mason University and worked for 10 years as a buyer for an internet company. Prior to joining the Cobb EMC Foundation and serving as the 2024 Chair, she has held leadership positions as president of Kell High School PTA, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Chair of Women in Faith at Transfiguration Catholic Church, and serves on the board of her HOA. Michele devotes a considerable amount of time volunteering and helping throughout the community, including at the Center for Children and Young Adults, North Cobb Rotary, Men's Extension, Women's Extension, Forever Fed, Fox Theater, Cobb Energy, and the ASO. 

    Heather Trainor

    Heather Trainor Foundation Board Member

    Heather Trainor has 10 years of experience in specialty retail. At Big Peach Running Co., she fosters community connections through creating and executing engaging store events. Heather is also a dedicated community volunteer. She has held leadership roles in the Junior League of Gwinnett/North Fulton and has served on the Board of Bike Roswell. Heather holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia and is a certified running and triathlon coach. 

    Stephanie Valentine

    Stephanie Valentine Foundation Board Member

    Stephanie Valentine brings extensive experience to her role, having honed her expertise for more than 30 years in the financial services industry. She currently serves as the Head of Communications - Global Thought Leadership at Invesco. Stephanie excels in crisis management, brand strategy, and digital communication, enhancing brand visibility and reputation, while effectively leading teams and building productive relationships across all organizational levels. A graduate of Long Island University with an MBA in Finance and a BS in Marketing, Stephanie has made significant contributions as the communications lead for several of Invesco's business resource and community outreach groups. Stephanie has called Cobb County home for over 35 years. She is a dedicated member of Bible Way Ministries International and is also the proud mother of three adult sons.