Pivot Donates $8,000 to fund Relief
and Recovery Efforts in Impacted Communities
July 17, 2026 — The American Red Cross of Illinois recognizes Pivot Energy, a national renewable energy independent power producer, headquartered in Denver, Colo, for its $8,000 donation help fund relief and recovery efforts for Illinois residents that were impacted by the Kankakee and Aroma Park Tornadoes, which occurred March 10, 2026.
Donations to Red Cross Disaster Relief are used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, health services, spiritual care and financial assistance, as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses, and people who make that help possible.
For nine seemingly uninterrupted minutes, an EF3 tornado unleashed 150 mile-per-hour winds, carving a half-mile-wide path of destruction through the community. In those moments, entire neighborhoods were torn apart. Towering trees were uprooted or snapped like twigs, while others were stripped bare, leaving behind a jagged skyline where vibrant green spaces once stood.
In the days that followed, the Red Cross mobilized volunteers from across the country to support those impacted. At the Aroma Park Fire Department, the firehouse became a Disaster Services Intake Center, where more than two dozen volunteers worked side by side to help families begin their recovery.
At the height of the response, more than 40 Red Cross volunteers from states including California, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Ohio put their lives on hold to support the Kankakee and Aroma Park communities.
While the storm lasted only minutes, the recovery journey will take much longer. Across Kankakee and Aroma Park, the Red Cross continues to work alongside partners and volunteers to support those impacted — offering not just immediate relief but also hope and direction for what comes next.
“When disasters strike the communities we serve, it takes all of us coming together to meet the needs of those experiencing some of their toughest days,” said Lyn Hruska, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Whether it’s through the dedication of the volunteers who respond, the efforts of local leaders and officials, or the support of corporate partners like Pivot Energy; when people are in need, the Red Cross is there.”
The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters across the country every year, providing comfort and hope in times of crisis. As rapidly intensifying storms, extreme heat, record floods and widespread wildfires continue to devastate communities across the country, donations from sponsors like Pivot Energy are more important than ever to power Red Cross relief efforts for those who need it most.
"Our hearts go out to everyone that was affected by the devastating tornadoes in the Kankakee area," said Liz Reddington, Vice President of Project Development at Pivot Energy. "Pivot Energy is proud to partner with the Red Cross to deliver critical relief and support to the Kankakee area as it recovers from these devastating tornadoes. As a company with solar projects in Kankakee, we believe it is our responsibility to step up and support the Illinois communities we serve during times of crisis."
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
About Pivot Energy
Founded in 2009, Pivot Energy is a national renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, owns, and operates solar and energy storage projects. Pivot delivers renewable energy solutions that strengthen local economies, create jobs, and provide affordable, reliable power for businesses and communities across the U.S. As a Certified B Corporation, Pivot combines purpose and performance to ensure every project generates meaningful economic and social value. Pivot is an ECP portfolio company. Learn more at pivotenergy.com.
About Pivot Energy in Illinois
Pivot has been working in Illinois since 2008 and currently has 64 Illinois solar projects operational or under construction across the state, totaling 213 MW. Ninety-five percent of Pivot’s qualified ground-mounted IL solar projects include sheep grazing. The company makes donations to local nonprofit organizations for each project it develops in Illinois through its investment fund, supporting workforce development, energy burden assistance, and agriculture initiatives.