For Information:
Erica Erland, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3238, [email protected]
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES’ THIRD ANNUAL RACE FOR WARMTH RAISES MORE THAN $50,000 FOR OPERATION WARM HEART
– More than 960 racers participated in the 5k/10k fundraiser in Vancouver –
VANCOUVER, WA – February 3, 2017 – Produced by Clark Public Utilities, the third annual Race for Warmth was held Sunday, January 29, 2017 and raised more than $50,000 for the donor-funded heating assistance program Operation Warm Heart.
The timed 10k run took 245 racers out and back along the Vancouver waterfront and another 716 runners and walkers completed a 5k loop through the downtown area.
Generous support from local businesses offset event costs to maximize net proceeds for the cause, and every dollar of registrations went directly to Operation Warm Heart. Support from partners including Area Heating & Cooling, Trane, New Tradition Homes and Columbia Credit Union was critical to the success of the event. Burgerville stores across Clark County collected donations leading up to the event and contributed 100 percent of proceeds from hot drink sales on race day to Operation Warm Heart, for a total of $17,057.
“Our event partners, media sponsors and employee volunteers are all part of the success of this event,” said Maxie Lofton, communications coordinator at Clark Public Utilities. “Overhead costs other events have to pay for out of the proceeds have been generously covered by our partners, and being a utility with tents and cones on hand, not to mention employees who are certified flaggers to keep participants safe along the route, means the money raised goes straight to help people in need through Operation Warm Heart.”
The morning began with a free kids run with more than 51 kids racing behind the Clark College Penguin mascot. Chuck’s Produce provided healthy snacks to start and steaming bowls of soup at the after-party. Trusty’s Brewing was onsite with free beer for participants and Columbia Credit Union provided commemorative pint glasses.
Promotional support was provided by The Columbian, National Cinemedia, Lamar Transit Advertising, Pacific Outdoor and Comcast Spotlight. Printing was provided by Columbia Litho and dozens of local businesses contributed prizes for race day including Chinook Book, Columbia Credit Union, Dozer Day, Periodontal Concepts, Tricor Brand Communications, 811 Call Before You Dig and more.
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 34,000 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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