Heat the Streets surpasses fundraising goal to help households in need

March 23, 2026 | Rita Rodriguez | community, customers, energy assistance, utility assistance

Runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters came together March 7 for the 19th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. The event set a record for the amount of money raised to support families struggling with utility bills.

Preliminary figures show that $277,000 was raised through registrations, sponsorships, partners and community donations, surpassing the fundraising goal of $250,000. The funds directly benefit utility assistance programs run by Omaha Public Power District and the Metropolitan Utilities District.

Each winter, both utilities host Heat the Streets to shine a light on the challenges many families face in keeping their homes warm and safe. For households living paycheck to paycheck, even a small disruption can quickly make it difficult to stay current on essential utilities.

A growing need, a strong response

This year’s event was co-chaired by Mark Mendenhall, senior vice president and general counsel for M.U.D., and his wife, Bridget, along with Amanda Bogner, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and her husband, Jason Bogner.

Last year, Heat the Streets raised $226,000, which helped make a measurable difference in the lives of local families. Those funds helped both utilities provide assistance to their customers. M.U.D.’s Home Fund distributed a total of $324,388 in bill assistance to 845 households in 2025; OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program provided a total of $366,221 to 963 households across its 13-county district.

Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund, a registered nonprofit that distributes assistance through the utilities’ programs.

“Utility assistance is an important factor in creating stable housing for families and preventing housing insecurity and homelessness,” said Marian Fey, executive director of Bridge Family Network.

For many organizations working directly with families, the impact is clear and urgent.

“Many of the families we support are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Karla Dush, director at Creighton Law Community Connections. “Often that means having to choose between basic needs.”

A community effort with heart

Beyond the numbers, the event continues to build a strong sense of community. For some, Heat the Streets has become a meaningful annual tradition.

One local family shared that they have attended the event for the past three years, supporting their son who participates in the run. For them, showing up each year is about more than the race, it’s about standing behind a cause they believe in.

They said they understand firsthand how impactful programs like this can be for families working hard to make ends meet. Their continued participation reflects a shared belief that even small acts of support can help ensure neighbors stay safe, warm and secure.

Participants walk the trail during the 19th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. Photo by Danielle Beebe

That same passion is reflected in participants like Garry Floyd, supervisor of Support Services at OPPD, who returns each year not only to run, but to reconnect.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out, unplug and engage with the community,” he said.

For Floyd, the event also signals a seasonal shift.

“It’s one of the first things I do to come out of winter,” he shared. “I love running, so being able to get outside, be active again and do it for a meaningful cause makes it even more rewarding.”

Participants make their way through the Heat the Streets course. Photo by Danielle Beebe

He added that Heat the Streets represents something deeper for those involved.

“It’s one of the ways we live out our core value of honoring the community,” he said. “This event reminds us that what matters most isn’t just the power we provide — it’s the people we serve.”

Continuing the impact

As participation and support continue to grow, Heat the Streets remains a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together, not just to run or walk, but to make a lasting difference.

It’s not too late to contribute. Community members can still support the cause by visiting the Dollar Energy Fund’s Heat the Streets donation page or by donating through their monthly utility bill.

Both utilities also encourage customers who are struggling to pay their bills to reach out and explore available assistance options. For OPPD, customers in the Omaha area can call 402-536-4131, or 877-536-4131 outside the metro. M.U.D. customers can call 402-554-6666 or toll-free at 800-732-5864