PowerCAT, the beloved mascot of Tucson Electric Power’s volunteer program, is celebrating a major milestone: three decades of inspiring community engagement across Arizona.
You might have seen him at a community event. It’s hard to miss a big fluffy feline in a blue TEP shirt who travels all across Arizona to inspire volunteerism and a sense of community.
The TEP Community Action Team – or CAT, get it? – was created in 1993 to encourage employees to get involved in their local communities. The response was overwhelming, with TEP staff quickly embracing the opportunity to volunteer.
To bring even more fun and energy to the program, employee Curtis Brooks designed the iconic PowerCAT costume two years later. PowerCAT was unveiled at the company’s volunteer recognition event at the Savoy Opera House.
“The creation was completely Curtis’s idea,” said Sharon Foltz, who served as TEP’s community relations manager before she retired. “He was inspired by team mascots. In the second year, we decided PowerCAT should wear shorts in addition to the T-shirt,” she laughed.
In just a few years, PowerCAT was making a huge impact, with a high-profile presence at many community events. Foltz said TEP employees have always been generous with their time, and the company has been generous in supporting the community. “We were driven by what mattered to the employees,” she said.
Since inception, TEP employees and their families have donated almost 830,000 volunteer hours to support local nonprofits and initiatives, from food drives to Habitat for Humanity builds and tree planting events.
That spirit continues today. Our employee volunteers donated more than 13,100 hours to causes they cared about in 2024. “Our CAT team makes a difference in supporting programs that help our most critical community partners, whether it’s helping families with a little one going through medical treatment, to addressing food insecurity, and supporting teachers in the classroom,” said Wendy Erica Werden, Manager of Community Investment and Philanthropy.
Today, PowerCAT is still a key fixture, bringing energy and smiles to volunteers and community members alike. He often even joins in the fun, including lively dances from time to time on the University of Arizona basketball court or raising funds for United Way.
“Stepping into the suit is an experience like no other,” said Shea-Lynn Hoisington, TEP’s Outreach Project Coordinator. “We think of PowerCAT as a playful kitten (without the sharp claws), who brings a level of fun everywhere he goes.”
Lindsay Poole, Supervisor of Accounts Payable, has donned the PowerCAT costume a time or two. She said it’s been an honor to represent the company at events, including an annual holiday shopping event for children. When she learned she’d be PowerCAT, she watched some reels of sports team mascots to perfect her high-fives and practice some key mascot moves. “It’s such a great experience to be able to bring joy to kids and adults too. It’s a chance to be funny and outgoing and the kids come up and hug you,” she said.
“It’s a bit warm in there, but one of the nice surprises was the welcoming feeling you get from others.”
Poole, a TEP employee for 10 years, started volunteering for the company about nine years ago. “Volunteering fills my cup. I really enjoy the connection and seeing the impact that our company has in the community and in supporting other organizations doing important work.”
Meet three of our volunteers as we celebrate Volunteer Month.
See PowerCAT in the community? Share your pics! Use the hashtag #TEPPowerCAT
