A record-setting number of participants attended the sixth annual Clark Public Utilities Race for Warmth and raised more than $60,000 for Operation Warm Heart.
A total of 1,514 people walked or ran in the 5k or 10k events. Every dollar of registration fees and all donations made online and at local Burgerville restaurants will be used to provide local families in financial crisis help covering home heating expenses.
“The endless generosity of our community and the incredible business partners who help cover all the event’s hard costs continues to amaze all of us at the utility,” said Maxie Mayer, Clark Public Utilities Marketing and Events Specialist. “Thanks to our partners and the dozens of utility employees who volunteered to staff the race on donated time, every penny raised will go directly to our friends and neighbors in need.”
The average Operation Warm Heart grant is $290 and the proceeds of this year’s race will directly benefit more than 200 families in our community.
Participation in the Race for Warmth has tripled since racers first left the starting line in 2014. In a short time, hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages have made the community event an annual tradition. Competitive runners return each year to race for top times in the 5k and 10k while families stroll the shorter loop after younger children finish the kid’s run led by Rally, the Ridgefield Raptors mascot.
About Operation Warm Heart
Operation Warm Heart is a donor-funded program that helps community members in financial crisis who may not qualify for other payment assistance. Since 1985 Operation Warm Heart has given nearly 14,000 customers just under $3.6 million in grants — all generously provided by Clark Public Utilities customers, employees, and local businesses. Donations can be made year-round online, 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 210,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 37,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 360-992-3000 or online at Clark Public Utilities.
