Atmos Energy Corporation recently announced a $25,000 sponsorship to support Parents Step Ahead’s 8th Annual “Parent of the Year” Gala on December 6, 2013. Through the company’s role as Title sponsor for the gala, Atmos Energy is manifesting its commitment to education and preparing the future leaders of tomorrow.

The “Parent of the Year” Gala aims to recognize individuals who participate in PSA’s programs and go above and beyond in advancing their children’s education. Parents and committed family members are nominated from school staff for the prestigious award, and the winner is selected by a committee of judges after the evaluation of two essays each nominee submits: one from the parent on his or her involvement in the child’s school and one from the child about why his or her parent deserves the award. The winner is then honored at the annual gala. In addition to celebrating committed parents, the gala also serves as a fundraiser to aid in expanding the Parents Step Ahead programs in additional schools and districts.

Through Atmos Energy’s generous support, Parents Step Ahead can make the gala the most effective it can be. Furthermore, Parents Step Ahead’s mission is entrenched in Atmos Energy’s commitment to give back to the communities it serves.”Through improving the education system, we are improving our communities for the future,” said Celina Cardenas, Manager of Public Affairs at Atmos Energy. “Atmos Energy recognizes this and is committed to supporting programs like Parents Step Ahead’s 8th Annual “Parent of the Year” Gala in order to do our part in honoring those individuals who do exceptional work in raising the next generation of leaders.”

To find out more about the “Parent of the Year” Gala, please visit www.parentsstepahead.org. For Gala sponsorship opportunities, contact Valerie Reyes-Braun at (214) 357-2186 or at Valerie@parentsstepahead.org.

To learn more about Atmos Energy’s community initiatives, please visit www.atmosenergy.com