COLUMBIA, Mo. — Socket, a Columbia-based telephone and Internet provider, donated more than $3,000 to 56 local non-profit organizations Thursday, April 29, 2010 as part of its Honest to Goodness program. The company’s local home phone customers contributed to the fund, donating 5% of their monthly bill to the charity of their choice.

The first of the donations were presented to representatives of local charities at Socket’s neighborhood party in Cosmo-Bethel Park Thursday evening. Charities in attendance, included: Central Missouri Food Bank, The Shelter, Access Arts, Salvation Army and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Stephanie Rosskopf, marketing manager at Socket, was proud to present the non-profit representatives with a plaque and a check.

"Local means a lot to us at Socket, and we are inspired by the kindness and generosity we see around us in Columbia every day," said Rosskopf. "That’s why we are giving back."

The next round of donations is scheduled for this fall. A full list of participating charities can be found at www.socket.net/homephone/charities. Non-profit organizations interested in joining the program can contact Socket at 817-0000 to obtain an application.

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Columbia-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides Columbia families and businesses a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket's simple billing and quick, friendly services are enjoyed by more than 20,000 customers in more than 400 cities across Missouri. For additional information, visit: www.socket.net.

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