General

Heat the Streets draws record turnout

Runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters united March 1 for the 18^th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. This year’s event surpassed its fundraising goal and set a record for money raised to help customers struggling with utility bills.

A record-breaking 1,100 runners and walkers participated in the event this year. Preliminary results revealed another milestone: $226, 000 was raised through registrations, sponsorships and other donations.  The funds go to OPPD’s and Metropolitan Utility District’s utility assistance programs.

OPPD and M.U.D. host the event each winter to bring attention to the challenges some utility customers face in keeping their home warm and safe.

This meaningful cause serves as an extra motivation for participants like Rob Carrera, who continues to return and support the race.

“This might be my fifth or sixth time, it’s always a worthy cause to help out in this small way.”

Making a difference

This year’s co-chairs were Mark Mendenhall, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of M.U.D., and his wife, Bridget, and Eric Williams, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his partner, Kristine Hull. Their goal was to register 1,800 participants and raise at least $180,000.

“The funds raised at Heat the Streets really do make a difference for families and people in our community when they experience an unexpected circumstance,” Williams said. “When they need help with their utility bill, their electric or gas bill, the funds raised at this event help them get through these challenging times.”

Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth is the single largest fundraiser of the year for these programs. Last year’s event raised $175,000. These funds helped M.U.D.’s Home Fund distribute $350,194 in bill assistance to 945 households in need this past year. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program was able to distribute $371,012 in funding to 996 households across its 13-county district.

Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), administers the funds raised. The funds are split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program. OPPD’s program provides assistance to customers throughout the district.

“These funds help us provide financial assistance to our families in crisis due to financial hardship,” said Sharena Marrs, program director at Family Housing Advisory Services Inc. “A job loss, a hospital stay, or even an unexpected car or home repair can be a real hardship for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a little financial support can make all the difference.”

Helping neighbors

“I love that it takes place in the Aksarben area. This is such a great place for families to reunite,” said Marina Rosado. “It’s our second year here, and I believe it’s very important that as a community we participate.

“The fact that it takes place during the winter, it makes us realize how difficult it can be for a parent to keep their homes warm if they are struggling to make ends meets.”

Chris Meeks, government and community relations strategist at OPPD, was one of many utility employees participating.

“This was my second year running the Heat the Streets 5k race,” he said. “It is such a positive event; it speaks volumes for the great people who work at both of our organizations. It is a great way to engage with the energy assistance cause. Heading outside on a brisk morning at the beginning of March, everyone may be a little chilly, but we’re enjoying a fun event that raises funds that will benefit our neighbors.”

Both utilities urge any customers who are struggling with their bills to call their customer service representatives and talk through their options. For OPPD, that number is 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area. Outside of the metro, customers may call toll-free at 877-536-4131. M.U.D. customers should call 402-554-6666.

Below, click through a collection of photos taken during the event.