Ice House Construction is Underway

Construction for the three-room ice house is officially underway in Market Square, Pittsburgh. We wont let the mild weather forecast stop us (and the dozens of Pittsburgh community leaders who have volunteered to sit in the ice house) from raising money for local families in need.

The purpose of the event is to raise funds and build awareness for the many Pittsburgh families who will go without heat during the harsh winter months.

In its second year, the Cool Down for Warmth has already raised more than $50,000, including a match from partnering utility companies. Dollar Energy Fund expects the number to rise significantly as the event officially begins and as the community passes through Market Square this week.

Many of Pittsburgh’s community and business leaders, including Bishop David Zubik; Morgan O’Brien, the President and CEO of Peoples Natural Gas; and others, will sit in the house during the event to raise funds for local families, children and elderly individuals in need.

These individuals will sit in the house until they raise enough money to leave. Their friends, family and colleagues have supported them through personal Crowdrise sites prior to the event, and they will continue to raise money throughout January 28 and 29.

Donors may contribute to relieve someone specific from the house, or can simply donate to the overall fundraising goal and can donate online, in person or over the phone. All proceeds from the event will be matched by Dollar Energy Fund’s partnering utility companies and will go directly toward local families struggling to restore or maintain safe, basic utility service.

Those who wish to donate to the Cool Down for Warmth will receive a special promotion from event sponsor, Dunkin’ Donuts. For a $5 on-site donation, donors will receive a coupon for a medium Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee at all participating Pittsburgh locations. A $50 donation, or commitment to raise $50 between January 28 and February 11, will earn donors a coupon book for 20 medium coffees at all participating locations.

Members of the community are encouraged to stop by the ice house to take a photo in front of an “ice selfie wall,” enjoy ice carving and construction and, of course, donate to cold families.