General

Heat the Streets draws record turnout to help raise utility assistance

Warm hearts came together in warmer-than-usual temperatures March 2 for the 17^th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth.

A record 1,055 runners and walkers took part in the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth on March 2. And according to the event’s preliminary results, another record was set – a total of $175,828 raised for OPPD’s and M.U.D.’s energy assistance programs.

Each utility will receive over $81,000, which will help a total of 535 households struggling to pay their utility bills due to financial hardship.

The event, featuring 5k and 10k timed runs, as well as a one-mile walk, is hosted by Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District. This year’s co-chairs were Jim Begley, chair of the M.U.D. Board of Directors, and his wife, Rebecca, and Matt Core, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his wife, Katy.

Supporting the cause

“I run several races a year, and Heat the Streets is always my first,” said OPPD wellness specialist and runner Stacey Centarri. “It supports a great cause, and it’s always fun to see everyone out on the course enjoying the camaraderie. A lot of my co-workers, as well as employees from M.U.D., show up every year.”

The good cause was an added incentive for Chris Hanna of Omaha, who ran the event’s 5k for the first time.

“I have a friend that’s done this every year … so he invited me.”

It started and ended at Zone 6 of Aksarben Village, using the Keystone Trail.

“The neighborhood, the environment,” Hanna said, “I just love the Aksarben area.”

Raising vital assistance

Money raised through registrations, sponsorships and other donations benefits customers across a 13-county area.

Funds are administered by Dollar Energy Fund, a registered 501(c)(3), and then split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program.

“We look forward to this event every year as this is our largest fundraiser for our respective utility assistance programs, and 100% of the money donated goes to these wonderful programs,” said Megan Walter, manager of Customer Engagement for M.U.D.

“These funds are crucial – especially as we see more and more requests for help coming in,” said Britton Gabel, manager of Customer Advocacy for OPPD. “A big part of that is due to a 50% decrease in federal funding for other programs that help with utility assistance.”

Heat the Streets is intentionally held toward the end of winter to raise awareness of the challenges many in our community face to pay their utility bills.

“Oftentimes, they just need a little boost due to circumstances out of their control, like a hospital stay, lost job, or car repairs,” said Walter.

Providing support

The timing worked well for Katie Leuking and her mother, Lynda Crouch. They signed up for Heat the Streets as part of their goal to run a 5k every month of the year.

And they understand unexpected challenges.

“I’m recovering from breast cancer, and I was just recently diagnosed with liver cancer,” said Crouch. “So, I might have to put my running shoes up for a few months when I go back for chemo. But we’re going to do as much as we can before that happens.”

Her best friend, Kristy Bolen, was right by her side for every step.

“We’ve been on a long journey of health and wellness,” Bolen said. “And if we have to push her and carry her on our backs, we will.”

‘A joy to serve’

“I love that we come together with M.U.D. as an organization, and a community, to support low-income heating and energy programs in our area,” said Brian Adams, a 5k participant and chief of staff for OPPD. “It’s a joy to serve our customers in this way.”

Last year’s event, with just over 900 participants, raised $138,000.