For Information:
Erica Erland, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3238, [email protected]
RACE FOR WARMTH RAISES FUNDS FOR CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES OPERATION WARM HEART, JAN. 29, 2017
VANCOUVER, WA – January 20, 2017 – The third annual Race for Warmth, a timed 5k walk/run and 10k run to benefit Operation Warm Heart, will be held Sunday, January 29 at the Clark Public Utilities downtown location. Registration is available online now at www.raceforwarmth.com.
The fun run/walk is hosted by Clark Public Utilities in partnership with Area Heating & Cooling, New Tradition Homes, Columbia Credit Union, Burgerville and many other local businesses. Every $30 registration for the event includes a long-sleeve performance shirt and race bag, and every dollar raised goes directly to local families in financial crisis struggling to pay winter heating bills.
“Last year more than 900 runners and walkers took to the course and the event raised more than $36,000 for Operation Warm Heart,” said Maxie Lofton, Clark Public Utilities communications coordinator. “Our local business partners have come together to cover the hard costs of the race so all the registration fees go straight to help people in need.”
A free fun run for kids ages 3-8, led by the Clark College Penguin mascot, kicks off the event at 8:30 a.m. Next, participants are invited to warm up with Northwest Personal Training at 8:40 a.m., followed by starts for the timed 5k and 10k races beginning at 9 a.m.
The 10k race route will take runners through the historic Fort Vancouver and along the Columbia River while the 5k route loops runner and walkers through the downtown area. Dozens of utility employee-volunteers will be along the routes as course marshals and flaggers to keep racers safe and on track.
“We continue to receive incredible feedback from participants and partners, from families doing the event for fun to avid runners who appreciate that the event is professionally timed,” said Lofton. “There’s even a way for folks who want to support Operation Warm Heart without leaving their home with the Sleep in to Stay Warm online donation option.”
Event partners include Area Heating & Cooling, Trane, New Tradition Homes, Burgerville, Columbia Credit Union, Trusty Brewing, Chuck’s Produce, Portland Roasting Coffee, 811 Call Before You Dig, Northwest Personal Training, Franz, Columbia Litho, Cayenta, WPUDA, Just for the Health of It, ActiveTelesource and Tricor Brand Communications. Promotional support was provided by The Columbian, Comcast Spotlight, Lamar C-Tran advertising, Pacific Outdoor and National Cinemedia. Partnership opportunities remain for event prizes if businesses would like to be involved. Contact Maxie Lofton at [email protected] or 360-992-3599.
About Operation Warm Heart
Since its creation in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided nearly $2.4 million to about 11,000 customers in financial crisis. The donor-funded program helps families in need who may not qualify for other government 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 any Clark Public Utilities location 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 194,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 30,000 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.
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