By: Kelly Brandlee
Communications Director

Pearl Holt believes in helping her community, youth, and volunteering. This selfless dedication first earned her recognition as a Northern Electric finalist in the second annual regional Who Powers You contest. Pearl then finished third overall from a group of 20 finalists from across the state.

“Pearl works with youth in 4-H, at the Aberdeen Area Horseman’s Association, and at her church. She is an active Brown County Fair Foundation member, which supports and promotes the Fairgrounds. Pearl is also a volunteer at SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center, and she helps take care of the horses and special projects, including the organization’s “Barn Dance” fundraiser. In addition, she also helps at the Special Olympics, wrote JoAnn Williams, who nominated Pearl for the contest.

“Where there is a benefit being hosted or a need, Pearl jumps in and does whatever needs to be done. Pearl is a person who gives her time, talents, and energy to help youth and organizations in the community,” stated JoAnn. “There are many other benefits and individuals in the area and community Pearl has dedicated her time and efforts to helping. They are too numerous to list.”

Who Powers You is an exciting contest hosted by the region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives to highlight local figures making a difference in their communities. Pearl has a passion for horses and helping people. In retirement, combining these passions in her volunteer work center around great organizations she wants to give back to. “I feel like I have some time to give,” said Pearl. “Volunteering my time to phenomenal organizations like SPURS, the Brown County Fair, and the Open Horse Shows are all organizations that are very meaningful to me.”

Pearl encourages others to find their passion, look out into their community, and share that passion with others. “Giving to others will give back to you more than you are giving to someone else.” 

“When I heard about the nomination, I was very humbled and honored someone took the initiative to do this for me,” said Pearl. “Everywhere I work or volunteer, I am alongside other great volunteers. If you have the heart for volunteering, the people you work with are above and beyond the best people in the community.”

Keloland Living featured Pearl’s story on April 20, 2023. A recap of the segment is also available on the contest’s webpage at WhoPowersYouContest.com.

Member-owners, employees, and citizens who live or work within the service territory of the region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are eligible to be nominated for the Who Powers You contest. Three final winners were selected by a panel of judges based on their impact in the communities where they live. Weekly finalists were featured on Keloland Living, and the three contest winners were announced on Keloland Living on May 25, 2023. The Who Powers You contest grand prize winner received a $3,000 prize. The second-place winner received $1,500, and the contest’s third-place winner received $500.