Annual Warmathon raises $175,510 to support local families

Dollar Energy’s Fund’s 13th Annual Warmathon, which was held on February 11, raised $175,510 during the radio-based fundraiser hosted on Entercom’s KDKA News Radio (KDKA-AM / 100.1FM). The effort will provide heat-related utility assistance for 487 additional households—more than 1,470 individuals—through Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program.

“We are extremely grateful for the support given during the Warmathon because it means 487 more households in our region won’t have to face the winter months without safe utility services,” said Chad Quinn, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund. “This support couldn’t have come at a better time as a high number of our neighbors are struggling right now due to COVID-related impacts. Dollar Energy Fund is proud to be a resource for those who have nowhere else to turn, especially during these difficult and unprecedented times”

All donations were matched dollar for dollar by Dollar Energy Fund’s utility partners, which includes Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Duquesne Light Company, FirstEnergy and Peoples. Marty Griffin, KDKA News Radio daytime host, led the on-air efforts and appealed to listeners, asking them to make a donation in support of the cause.

The Warmathon was presented by Matt Mertz Plumbing. Additional event sponsors included The Citizens Bank Foundation, First Commonwealth Bank, Vincentian Terrace Place, Hefren-Tillotson, Hieber’s Pharmacy, Cellone’s Italian Bread Company, MediConnect, Sarris Candies, Le Mont Restaurant, Seneca Resources, State Farm Agent Pat Dickey, Altmeyer’s Bed Bath Home and Betsy Ann Chocolates.

This year, 241 individual donors became Neighborhood Heroes with a donation or $180 or more. A donation at this level, when combined with the utility matching funds, provides utility assistance for a household in need. All Neighborhood Heroes are entered into a drawing to win free utilities for a year.

Warmathon donors at various support levels were also eligible to receive a variety of incentives throughout the day, including gift certificates and products from event sponsors and entrance into raffles for prizes. Incentive sponsors for the event were Air Pro Heating & Cooling, Moon Golf Club, Mr. Waterheater, Levin Furniture, Totin’s Diner, Betsy Ann Chocolates, Smallman Street Deli, Sarris Candies, Oakmont Bakery, Matt Mertz Plumbing, Cucina Bella, Pizza Hut, Napa Prime Chophouse & Cigar Bar, Off the Hook, Metropolitan Windows, Altmeyer’s Bed Bath Home, Voss TV & Appliance, Nasco Roofing, Monte Cello’s, Joseph Tambellini Restaurant, Candelore’s Barking Beauties and Coit Cleaning and Restoration.

The Warmathon has raised more than $3.27 million for local, limited-income families since 2009.

Donations to support the Warmathon are still be accepted. Those wishing to contribute can do so by mailing a check to Dollar Energy Fund at Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203; or by visiting www.warmathon.com.