Cool Down for Warmth

Dollar Energy Fund will host its inaugural Cool Down For Warmth fundraiser in PPG Place, from 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday January 28, 2015, to benefit households in need of help with heat-related utility bills. Community members and local business leaders, who are volunteering to stay in a house made of ice until they meet a fundraising goal, are turning to the public to ask for donations as they raise awareness for those struggling to stay warm this winter.

“Our hope is that the Cool Down for Warmth draws attention to the thousands of families in our region who are at risk of losing their heat-related utility services during these cold months,” said Chad Quinn, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund.  “No one should have to face a Pittsburgh winter without utility service, so we are focusing our efforts through this event to raise funds and awareness to help ensure that more families can afford to heat their homes when the outside temperatures drop.”

Members of the community are cooling down for warmth in a 10’x10’ ice block house, which will be constructed next to The Rink at PPG Place.  Once the participants meet their goals, they will be granted access to the warming tent.  A list of participants is available by visiting www.crowdrise.com/CoolDownforWarmth.

The Cool Down for Warmth is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and volunteers.  Sponsorships and major contributions were provided by UPMC and Chevron.

Those wishing to donate on the days of the event can drop off their contribution at PPG Place or call 1-888-745-1020 to make a pledge between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Online donations can be made at any time by visiting www.crowdrise.com/CoolDownforWarmth.

All donations will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from Dollar Energy Fund’s partnering utility companies and 100% of the donations and matching funds will be used to provide utility assistance grants to local families in need through the Hardship Program.

Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program provides one-time assistance to eligible, limited-income households facing an immediate utility crisis.  With help from the program, families in need can receive up to $500 in grant funding that’s applied directly to their utility account to prevent a termination or restore their service.  More than 12,500 households in Pennsylvania receive assistance through Dollar Energy Fund’s program annually.

For more information about Dollar Energy Fund and how to apply for a grant from the Hardship Program or donate to the organization, visit www.dollarenergyfund.org.