The holiday season and its accompanying feasts and treats are behind us, and the coldest months of the year are just ahead. If you’re looking for ways to kick off 2021 by doing some good for yourself and others, the seventh-annual Clark Public Utilities Race for Warmth does both.
The Race for Warmth is a 5K walk/run and a 10K run that directly supports Operation Warm Heart, a Clark Public Utilities donation-funded charitable program that helps families in financial crisis pay their heating bills.
“Whether it’s the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic or another personal crisis that throws a household’s finances into sudden turmoil, Operation Warm Heart helps catch them and keep their homes warm and safe,” said Clark Public Utilities Marketing & Events Specialist Maxie Mayer. “This year, it’s been a lifeline for numerous families in our community–people who never imagined they’d need financial assistance, and often didn’t know where to turn first.”
Every dollar of the $30 race registration fee goes directly to helping households in need. Participants can choose to donate more if they wish. Event registration is now open at www.raceforwarmth.com. If you’re not a runner, but do enjoy supporting a good cause, consider making an ongoing donation on your monthly energy bill. Contact the customer service department for more information at 360-992-3000.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s race is going to look a little different. Rather than meeting on a chilly January morning at the Clark Public Utilities Electric Center in downtown Vancouver, this year’s race will be held remotely, completely customizable and stretched into a weekend event.
Join us as we come together while staying safely apart on the weekend of Jan. 29-31. This year, everyone is free to participate wherever and however they’d like. You’re welcome to run, walk or roll on one of many utility staff-recommended 5K or 10K routes available at www.raceforwarmth.com, follow a personal favorite path or explore a new one. If going outside on a chilly weekend sounds a little too ambitious, you’re welcome to stay home and hit the treadmill — it’s entirely up to you.
In addition to supporting a good cause, your registration fee includes a race shirt, participation medal (new this year due to popular participant demand), a bib number and drawstring race bag filled with gifts from our generous local business partners — this year’s event wouldn’t be possible without them. Special thank you goes out to Area Heating & Cooling, New Tradition Homes, Columbia Credit Union and Burgerville for their critical support of this year’s event.
Since 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided just under $4 million to about 15,700 customers. While many Clark Public Utilities customers, employees and local businesses contribute year-round to support the program, the Race for Warmth is the program’s largest fundraising event of the year and in the last five years, has raised more than $250,000 for local families in financial crisis.
“The past year has been challenging for everyone in our community, in one way or another,” Mayer said. “We hope that continuing our tradition of starting the year racing for warmth, albeit in a slightly different format, will help folks feel connected to one another while remaining safely apart, and offer support where it’s badly needed in our community.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668
