Annual Warmathon gives heat to 1,135 local families

The 2016 NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Warmathon to benefit Dollar Energy Fund raised $391,408 during the two-day event, which will help 1,135 Pittsburgh-area families maintain basic utility service. The Warmathon, a live, radio-based fundraising effort broadcasted from KDKA’s Greentree studios, took place February 11 & 12, 2016.

“We’re overwhelmed by the commitment and generosity of our donors,” said Chad Quinn, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund. “We’re grateful for the volunteers, donors, sponsors and, of course, NewsRadio KDKA, for making this event possible. Dollar Energy Fund is excited to help more Pittsburgh families than ever with this outstanding total.”

With this year’s contributions, 7,685 local, limited-income families have benefited from the total of $2.6 million that has been raised since the first Warmathon in 2009.

“News Radio 1020 KDKA is pleased to continue our efforts in partnering with Dollar Energy Fund to help local families needing utility assistance,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Young.  “The real credit to the Warmathon’s success can be attributed to the kindness and generosity of people and businesses in our region who are helping their neighbors in need.”

Dollar Energy Fund’s partnering utilities, which include Columbia Gas, Peoples Natural Gas, Duquesne Light and West Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company, provided a dollar-for-dollar match for all individual and corporate donations received through the Warmathon.

More than 100 volunteers from Dollar Energy Fund, Citizens Bank, Duquesne Light, Peoples Natural Gas and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania were on hand to answer phones and accept donation pledges.  In addition, several corporate sponsors contributed to the event’s success.

The Citizens Bank Foundation, a longtime supporter of the Warmathon, donated $50,000 in funding to match individual donations received during the two-day event.  Over the past eight years, the foundation’s combined Warmathon support of $350,000 has helped more than 1,880 families in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

“This year’s winter has impacted Pittsburgh’s neediest families the most,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, president & CEO, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. “Through our annual partnership with Dollar Energy Fund and KDKA Radio and the community’s generosity, we can strengthen our community by helping families avoid a painful choice: eating or heating their home.”

Additional corporate support for the Cool Down for Warmth and the Warmathon was received from Columbia Gas, Dunkin’ Donuts, Duquesne Light, First Energy, First National Bank, Highmark, Lachina Drapery & Blind Factory, the Meadows Casino, Metropolitan Windows, Peoples, Strategic Financial Designs, Terry’s Plumbing and UPMC.

Our less fortunate neighbors still need help. Please continue to support the Dollar Energy Fund. To donate, mail a check to PO Box WARM, Pittsburgh, PA 15230, or visit www.warmathon.com. Customers of participating utility companies may also make a monthly donation through their utility bill.  Visit www.dollarenergy.org/donate/check-box for more information.