Two Cape Volunteers Receive Community Service Award From Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri awarded $37,500 (combined) to winners of its "Community Lights" contest. Ameren Missouri named Brenda Bender of Cape Girardeau one of five grand prize winners. She was awarded $2,500 for her volunteerism, as well as $2,500 for the charity of her choice, MS Foundation, Gateway Chapter. The contest recognized outstanding community volunteers who give their time and efforts to make the lives of others better. Winners were nominated by their peers and selected from entries that were submitted to the company's Facebook page.

Faune Riggin, also of Cape Girardeau, was named runner-up, with an award of $1,250 and a matching $1,250 for the charity of her choice, Special Olympics of Southeast Missouri.

Winners were honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, Jan. 31 at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis. The celebration included an award presentation by Ameren Missouri CEO Warner Baxter and St. Louis Blues hockey legend Brett Hull. Winners will be featured in advertisements in their respective hometowns.