Cox Communications employees surprised Rhode Island-based nonprofit Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP) with a $20,000 Employee’s Choice Grant during a special presentation yesterday. Chosen by Cox employees across the company’s East Region, RAMP emerged from a competitive pool of applicants to receive this distinguished award. Senator Leonidas Raptakis joined the celebration and helped present the surprise grant to the organization.
 
The Cox Charities grant will allow RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress) to help businesses become more accessible, visible, and inclusive through accessibility certifications, public awareness, and a mobile phone app, while empowering people with disabilities to confidently shop, work, and participate in the local economy.  
 
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Tina Guenette, CEO/Founder of RAMP. She went on to say, “The employees of Cox Communications didn’t just choose a nonprofit — they chose families, memories, and ‘no one left out.’ This $20,000 Cox Charities grant means no one misses another wedding, birthday, or holiday because a place wasn’t accessible. To have Cox employees and the Rhode Island Senate recognize RAMP’s work is an honor we don’t take lightly. Less ‘you can’t go there.’ More, ‘we saved you a seat.’ Real access motivates progress, and because of you, RAMP is just getting started.”
 
Cox Charities, a charitable initiative of Cox Communications, is fully funded by Cox employees and business partners. The funds raised are awarded annually through Cox Charities Community Investment Grants to organizations whose missions align with our focus areas: youth innovation, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs; conservation and sustainability initiatives; and equal opportunity efforts.

“Giving back isn’t just something we do at Cox, it defines who we are. From funding local nonprofit grants to volunteering our time, we show up with heart, purpose and a true commitment to the Rhode Island community,” said Rob Brill, Cox New England market vice president. “Thank you, RAMP, for removing barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”  

For more information about Cox Charities, visit www.CoxCharitiesEast.org.