March 7, 2022

IdeaTek pledges funds for area fire victims, encourages others to donate to United Way

IdeaTek today pledged $10,000 towards disaster relief to help families affected by Reno County’s Cottonwood Complex Fire.

The United Way of Reno County’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) fund will receive $5,000 of the donation. VOAD provides recovery and services to victims of disasters and their communities. 

Another $5,000 will go directly to the nearly two dozen IdeaTek customers who lost their homes in the fires. Each customer will receive a $250 gift card to help them with immediate needs.  

“IdeaTek is greatly saddened by this tragedy and would like to offer assistance to our home county,” said IdeaTek’s Director of Community Relations Jade Piros de Carvalho. “We are keeping everyone in our prayers. We are hoping our donation will encourage other individuals and Reno County businesses to contribute.”

IdeaTek will also be suspending billing for customers directly impacted by the fires. The IdeaTek customer service team will reach out to each customer about the details.

Lisa Gleason, executive director of United Way of Reno County, said the fire damage was triple of what occurred in 2017 when a wildfire destroyed eight homes.

Gleason urges those in need of assistance to contact Reno County Emergency Management or 211 for requests for assistance in the recovery. Those wishing to donate financially to the Reno County Fire fund will also need to contact 211. For more information, visit unitedwayofrenocounty.org.