The seventh annual Race for Warmth, a community event to benefit Operation Warm Heart, is coming to Clark County the weekend of January 29 – 31, 2021. Registration is available online now at www.raceforwarmth.com.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s event has moved to an individual-route format, for a safe, socially distant celebration of fun, fitness, and community support of a charitable cause. Rather than meeting at the Clark Public Utilities office in downtown Vancouver, participants in the 5K and 10K events are invited to run, walk or roll the route of their choice.
“The economic impact of the pandemic is pushing many families to their financial limits, and Operation Warm Heart has helped a significant number of those customers by helping pay winter heating bills,” said Maxie Mayer, Clark Public Utilities marketing and events specialist. “When folks participate in the Race for Warmth, they’re helping households in need throughout our community.”
Every dollar of the $30 registration fee goes directly to Operation Warm Heart. Upon registration, participants receive a long-sleeve performance shirt, participation medal, bib number, and drawstring race bag filled with gifts from generous local business partners.
Last year, more than 1,500 runners and walkers took to the course and made additional donations to raise more than $60,000 for Operation Warm Heart. Since the start, Race for Warmth has raised more than $275,000 for Operation Warm Heart.
“The race has become a favorite event for many of our participants over the years, some who are serious runners who track their times and others who walk the route as a family,” Mayer said. “So we’re keeping the tradition going, just in a little different format.”
Participants are welcome to run, walk or roll a route of their choosing from a list of options at raceforwarmth.com, make one of their own, or stay indoors and hit the treadmill. Those who want to support Operation Warm Heart without pounding the pavement can contribute via the Sleep in to Stay Warm online donation option.
About Operation Warm Heart
Since its creation in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided more than $4 million to nearly 16,000 customers in financial crisis. The donor-funded program helps families in need who may not qualify for other assistance 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 clarkpublicutilities.com 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 at 360-992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
