GCI Liberty : contributes $5,000 to Bethel Search and Rescue

December 23, 2020

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - No matter the safety precautions you take when venturing out into Western Alaska's backcountry, anything from unpredictable weather to engine failure can quickly take your trek off track. GCI's recent $5,000 donation to the all-volunteer Bethel Search and Rescue team helps to ensure the safety of those in need of help when an adventure goes awry.

'Whether you're heading into the outdoors for fun or out of necessity, especially in rural Alaska, you can never be too safe,' said Senior GCI Community Engagement Manager Jenifer Nelson. 'Bethel Search and Rescue provides a vital safety net for those in need of assistance in Western Alaska and we hope our contribution helps in their life saving efforts.'

In addition to this donation, GCI provides a great deal of other support to Bethel Search and Rescue, like phones and wireless service. In 2018, GCI also donated money to help the organization buy a high-tech aerial drone made to withstand Alaska's harsh conditions.

The Bethel Search and Rescue team is an all-volunteer group of men and women who respond to calls for help for missing persons in the Bethel area. BSAR also provides assistance when requested by the Alaska State Troopers, Civil Air Patrol, City of Bethel Police, Village Police Safety Officers, and other SAR teams in villages surrounding Bethel.

GCI is one of Alaska's leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and provides employees with 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations. In 2019, nearly 550 GCI employees volunteered more than 5,300 hours.

For more information about GCI Gives, visit https://www.gci.com/why-gci/gcigives.

About GCI

GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested substantially more than $3 billion in its Alaska network and facilities. Most recently, GCI launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation's northernmost 5G service area.

Headquartered in Alaska, GCI has delivered services for more than 40 years to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. GCI employs nearly 2,000 Alaskans. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI Liberty, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBP). Learn more about GCI Liberty at www.gciliberty.com.

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