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. 31, 2016
VANCOUVER, WA – January 21, 2016 – The second annual Race for Warmth, a 5k walk/run and 10k run to benefit Operation Warm Heart, will be held Sunday, January 31 at the Clark Public Utilities downtown location. Registration is available online now at www.raceforwarmth.com and includes a long-sleeve performance shirt donated by New Tradition Homes and race bag while supplies last.
The fun run/walk is hosted by Clark Public Utilities in partnership with Area Heating & Cooling and other local businesses. Every $30 registration for the event will help raise funds for local families in financial crisis struggling to pay winter heating bills.
“Last year nearly 600 runners and walkers took to the course and the event raised more than $20,000 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.”
Starting with a free fun run led by the Portland Winterhawks mascot “Tom-A-Hawk” for kids ages 3-8 at 8:30 a.m., the Race for Warmth will include a 10k timed race at 9 a.m. and a 5k run or walk at 9:15 a.m. Prizes donated by Columbia Credit Union will be awarded for the top three finishers in each category and all participants in the kids’ race will receive a prize.
The 10k race route will take runners and walkers through the historic Fort Vancouver and along the Columbia River. A new 5k route this year loops 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.
“Last year was the inaugural race and the feedback we received from our partners and all the participants was extremely positive,” said Lofton. “The community has really rallied around this event to make everything, from pre-race snacks to the after party with a free pint, soup and bread possible. And for people who don’t want to participate in the race but would like to donate to Operation Warm Heart, there’s a ‘Sleep in to Stay Warm’ option on our registration site.”
Event partners include Area Heating & Cooling, Trane, New Tradition Homes, Columbia Credit Union, Trusty’s Brewing, Beaches Restaurant and Bar, Burgerville, Chuck’s Produce, Brewed, Columbia Litho, Cayenta, WPUDA, ActiveTelesource, Southwick Specialty Advertising, Brickstone Ballroom and Northwest Personal Training. Promotional support was provided by The Columbian, Comcast Spotlight, Lamar C-Tran advertising, Clear Channel 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 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 193,000 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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