When Calpine, America’s Premier Competitive Power Company, with an energy center located in Bethlehem, contacted Senator Lisa Boscola with their plan to give back to the community, a creative partnership was formed.

Calpine donated $5,000 to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation with the intent for the dollars to be spent on gift cards from Bethlehem restaurants to then be donated to front line workers.

Angela DelGrosso, Senior Vice President for the Bethlehem Chamber, purchased ten gift cards each from Bethlehem Brew Works, Mama Nina’s, McCarthy’s Reg Stag Pub, Santoro’s Franks and Chili, The Brick, Urbano, Paxos Restaurant Group, Lehigh Pizza, Pat’s Pizza & Bistro, and Primos Hoagies. Each restaurant received $500 in gift card sales.

Senator Lisa Boscola, connected DelGrosso with St. Luke’s, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Bethlehem EMS, who will receive the gift cards this week to be able to order meals for their front line workers.

“I was thrilled to work with Calpine to help out our local restaurants while feeding the workers who have been tirelessly battling Covid-19 on the front lines. Thank you Calpine and thank you Chamber Foundation. Just another example of working together to help get through this challenging time.” said the Senator.

Calpine Bethlehem’s plant manager James Kluesener said “With multiple power plants in Pennsylvania and across this region, we have seen first hand the damage that this crisis has done to local businesses. We are happy to help support our front line workers in this way which also helps the community.”

“Now is the time for innovative partnerships. We need to come together with our business community and nonprofit organizations to do everything we can to support one another. We are so thankful for partners like Calpine who are generously giving back to their local community.” said DelGrosso of this partnership.