On April 27, 2012, EarthLink's Arab employees dedicated trees in memory of community members lost during the storms one year earlier.

The one-year anniversary of the devastating tornados that struck the South was challenging for many, but particularly so for the many EarthLink employees hard-hit in the Alabama town of Arab, where the company employs hundreds and serves thousands of customers in the affected region. While fortunate that none of our colleagues lost their lives in the disaster, several lost homes and experienced the heartbreak of having to either rebuild or help family or friends impacted on that fateful day. EarthLink’s Arab facility was itself rendered uninhabitable by a fire started by the storms. We rebuilt, and remain deeply committed to and inspired by our Arab neighbors. 

On Friday, April 27 at our Arab facility, EarthLink held a special Day of Remembrance and tree-planting ceremony to honor the five community members who lost their lives during the tornadoes that ravaged the region. The dedication also honored survivors and their families.

Our employees planted five trees on the south end of its building to signify the lives lost. These living memorials were tied with white ribbons and dedicated in memory of Ann and Phillip Hallmark, Jennifer and Shane Hallmark, and Jayden Hallmark. To the many EarthLinkers who so selflessly gave of their time and resources, both immediately after the disaster and in the months that followed, you are truly the strength in the eye of the storm. We salute you. Read more.

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