News Release – 1/14/2022

For Information:
Dameon Pesanti, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3349, [email protected]

RACE FOR WARMTH RAISES FUNDS FOR OPERATION WARM HEART IN A CRITICAL TIME

VANCOUVER, WA – January 14, 2022 – The eighth annual Race for Warmth, a community event to benefit Operation Warm Heart, is coming to Clark County the weekend of January 28 – 30. Registration is available online now at www.raceforwarmth.com.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s event an individual-route format, for a safe, socially distant celebration of fun, fitness and community support of a charitable cause. Rather than meeting at the Clark Public Utilities office in downtown Vancouver, participants in the 5K and 10K events are invited to run, walk or roll the route of their choice.

The Race for Warmth is produced and hosted by utility employee-volunteers and remaining virtual for one more year allows these vital workers to keep providing reliable electric and water service as the top priority.

“When people join the Race for Warmth they’re helping families in crisis pay their energy bills,” said Maxie Mayer, Clark Public Utilities marketing & events specialist. “That’s what makes this event so special, our community comes together for a great cause and has a great time along the way.”

Every dollar of the $30 registration fee goes directly to Operation Warm Heart. Upon registration, participants receive a long-sleeve performance shirt, participation medal, bib number and drawstring race bag filled with gifts and coupons from our generous local business partners.

For just $5 more, you can register your favorite furry running companion. They’ll receive their very own racing bandana that’ll be a perfect match to your running shirt.

Last year, nearly 1,000 runners and walkers took to the streets and made additional donations to raise about $60,000 for Operation Warm Heart. Since the start, Race for Warmth has raised more than $350,000 for Operation Warm Heart.

“Operation Warm Heart has been a lifeline for thousands of people over the years, but it has been especially vital during the pandemic,” Mayer said. “You can just hear the relief in the customer’s voice when we tell them they qualify.”

Participants are welcome to run, walk or roll a route of their choosing from a list of options at raceforwarmth.com, make one of their own or stay indoors and hit the treadmill.

Those who want to support Operation Warm Heart without pounding the pavement can contribute via the Sleep in to Stay Warm online donation option.

Event partners include Area Heating & Cooling, New Tradition Homes, Burgerville, Columbia Credit Union, NW Natural, Ridgefield Raptors, WPUDA, Active Telesource, Corwin Beverage and CRESA.

About Operation Warm Heart
Since its creation in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided more than $4.3 million to nearly 17,000 customers in financial crisis. The donor-funded program helps families in need who may not qualify for other assistance programs. For more than 30 years, Clark Public Utilities customers and employees have generously funded Operation Warm Heart. Donations can be made year-round at clarkpublicutilities.com or by calling 360-992-3000.

About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 222,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 38,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information at 360-992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.

# # #