Direct Energy Invites Houstonians to Go Extra Mile for Palmer Drug Abuse Program

DJ, cheering squad gathering at Direct Energy-sponsored mile 17 of Chevron Houston Marathon

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Jan 15, 2010, 11:43 ET

HOUSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy is inviting Houstonians to have some fun while showing their support of this year's Chevron Houston Marathon participants by joining employees and family members along the 17th mile on Sunday. The company, who has dedicated its sponsored mile to the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, will be cheering on its employees and other Marathon participants with a live DJ and cheering squad, all while raising awareness for an important Houston organization.

The Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP), a non-profit organization whose mandate is to help youth battling substance abuse, was chosen as a community partner through the Chevron Houston Marathon's Run for a Reason program by a Direct Energy employee who was devastated by the tragic loss of her brother from an accidental drug overdose in 2007.

"When I approached my company to call on their support for my cause, I was blown away by the compassion of my colleagues. Over 20 people signed up to participate and help raise money for PDAP and the company has made a donation to adopt mile 17 through my application to the Direct Energy Dollars for Doers Program," said Direct Energy employee Sarah Ward.

Direct Energy is committed to being an active partner in the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and encourages employees to give back to their community through numerous programs and initiatives. Its Dollars for Doers Program offers a number of grants each year to federally registered charities across North America in recognition of employees who have volunteered over 40 hours with the organization and made a significant contribution in their community.

WHEN:	Sunday, January 17
	7:00 A.M –1:00 P.M.

WHO:	Sarah Ward, Direct Energy Employee and PDAP Supporter,
	Jay Hellums, Senior Vice President of Energy Management for Direct Energy
	Jean McMillan, Executive Director of Palmer Drug Abuse Program Direct Energy Supporters, and PDAP Staff, Youth, and Families

WHERE:	Northeast Corner of San Felipe & Sage

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is a part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Through its Direct Energy, CPL and WTU brands, the company is the third largest retail energy provider in Texas and owns three natural gas-fired power plants in the state. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, visit www.directenergy.com.

About Palmer Drug Abuse Program

Palmer Drug Abuse Program began in 1971 and serves our community by offering free intervention & counseling services to youth and their families facing the challenges of substance abuse. They also provide social events every weekend so that the youth have a more positive alternative and can be with like minded new friends. Please click on this link to learn more about PDAP: www.pdap.com

SOURCE Direct Energy