First-time race brings in $19,000 for Operation Warm Heart

Central Vancouver — Clark Public Utilities hosted the first Race for Warmth on Feb. 8, raising $19,000 for Operation Warm Heart, a donor-funded program that helps families in need pay heating bills. Nearly 600 people competed in the 10k run or 5k run-walk, which followed routes through Fort Vancouver and along the Columbia River. Before the races, 40 children ran behind Butch T. Cougar, the Washington State University mascot, in a free kids run. Since starting in 1985, Clark Public Utilities costumers and employees have donated about $2.4 million to Operation Warm Heart, according to a press release from Clark Public Utilities.