ASHEVILLE, N.C. …Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced several “Powering Communities Grants” to support local community organizations in the Asheville, N.C, area. The $145,000 in grants will be used to augment and enhance various programs and activities benefiting citizens throughout the region.

Building on Eaton’s tradition of corporate citizenship, the company’s “Powering Communities Grants” help improve the quality of life in communities where Eaton employees live and work.

"Eaton is committed to giving something back to the communities in which it does business," said Dan Loizzo, manager of support services for Eaton’s electrical facility in Arden, N.C. "We are proud to support these organizations because they offer valuable services and benefits to the citizens of Asheville and the surrounding areas."

Funding recipients include:

• The Mission Cancer Center - $100,000 to build a state-of-the-art cancer center supporting all of Western North Carolina.  The grant will be shared over a three year period.
• Buncombe County Schools - $25,000 to establish a new Trade and Industrial Careers course for grades 9 through 12 at TC Roberson High School.  The purpose is to expand student exposure to and developing skills necessary for advanced manufacturing careers.
• Boys & Girls Club of America - $15,000 to support the nationally accredited summer program in West Asheville.  This program provides a safe environment to develop children through education, physical activities, and character building opportunities.
• Mountain Housing Opportunities - $5,000 toward their annual Ramp Festival which provides wheelchair ramps for elderly homeowners in Buncombe County.

Eaton’s two facilities in Asheville, both part of the company’s Electrical Sector, employ approximately 1,000 people who manufacture power distribution equipment for commercial construction, industrial, and utility applications as well as provides sales support for Eaton’s domestic sales team.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.