2015 WARMATHON AIMS TO HEAT UP LOCAL FAMILIES

Dollar Energy Fund To Host 7^th Annual Radio Event To Raise Funds For Utility Assistance

Dollar Energy Fund, Pennsylvania’s largest hardship fund, is calling on the community to help local families stay warm this winter during its 7^th annual Warmathon, which will be held from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, and from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13.  The two-day radio event can be heard on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA AM and www.KDKAradio.com.

Funds raised during the Warmathon will support Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program, which helps limited-income families maintain or restore basic utility service.  All donations will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from the organization’s utility partners, which includes Columbia Gas, Peoples Natural Gas, Duquesne Light and West Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company.

“Maintaining heat-related utilities has already been difficult for many in our region this year,” said Chad Quinn, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund. “Our program has seen a 30 percent increase in the number of applications we’ve received from families who have nowhere else to turn for help.  We hope we can count on the support of the community during our Warmathon, as each donation goes directly towards helping a family in need stay warm and avoid a utility termination.”

KDKA and Dollar Energy Fund encourage Pittsburghers to help spread the warmth and support the Warmathon.  Those wanting to make a contribution can call 1-888-745-1020 during the event, mail a check to P.O. Box WARM, Pittsburgh, PA 15230, or visit www.warmathon.com.  A variety of donation incentives, which includes exclusive opportunities such as a dinner with Bishop David Zubik and suite tickets to Pittsburgh Penguin games, will be announced throughout the broadcast.

In addition to the local utility companies, area corporations, small businesses and volunteers are joining NewsRadio 1020 KDKA and Dollar Energy Fund in this effort.

The event has raised more than $1.9 million since 2009 and more than 5,400 limited-income families in the greater Pittsburgh region have benefited from the generosity of Warmathon donors.

Since 1983, Dollar Energy Fund has helped limited-income families and senior citizens on fixed incomes maintain or restore utility service through smart, efficient programs, including emergency assistance, payment counseling and weatherization.  Dollar Energy Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

NEWSRADIO 1020 KDKA is owned and operated by CBS RADIO. Find KDKA at 1020 on the AM dial; on HD-3 channel of KDKA-FM; online at KDKAradio.com and through mobile devices such as the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and the Android.