Golden State Water and California American Water Team Up with Senator Ted Gaines for “Operation Gobble”

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California American Water:

California State Senator Ted Gaines and two water companies – California American Water and Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) – will provide 200 fresh turkeys to local non-profits at Bayside Church on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 as part of the 28th annual “Operation Gobble” program. The turkeys were provided at cost by Save Mart Supermarkets and will benefit numerous causes throughout the Sacramento area.

“Operation Gobble” is a charitable joint venture between California water companies and elected officials and is set to deliver thousands of turkeys to underprivileged families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday. Introduced in 1990, the program pairs the local knowledge of elected officials with the resources of the private sector to benefit those in need.

“Operation Gobble is a community partnership that allows me to partner with the most effective non-profits and give to those in need,” said Senator Ted Gaines. “Through this partnership, we are able to deliver a Thanksgiving meal to thousands of families who may have otherwise gone without.”

During the program, participating investor-owned water companies like California American Water and Golden State Water provide turkeys and transportation in partnership with local elected officials who offer local expertise in directing the donations to community food banks, churches and other non-profit organizations.

“California American Water has more than 80 employees who live and work here in Sacramento,” said Evan Jacobs, California American Water’s director of regulatory policy and case management. “We are proud to have this opportunity to give back to our community and help those who really need it this holiday season.”

Millions of Californians lack sufficient resources to feed themselves on a regular basis. Many of these residents are low-income families that will not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal.

"Operation Gobble has become an important part of the holiday season for all of our employees. A warm Thanksgiving meal brings joy to those in need and makes their Thanksgiving a little better,” said Paul Schubert, Northern General Manager for Golden State Water. “We are proud to work closely with our elected officials and community organizations, ensuring the turkeys find their way to those who need them most.”

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 615,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). Golden State Water provides water service to approximately 259,000 customers throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California, and distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California through its Bear Valley Electric Service division. American States Water Company also owns a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS). ASUS provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50-year privatization contracts with the U.S. government.