430 Local Families Warmed Up by 11th Annual Warmathon

The 2019 NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Warmathon to benefit Dollar Energy Fund raised more than $155,000 during the two-day event, which will help 430 limited-income households in the Pittsburgh area afford basic utility service. The Warmathon, a live, radio-based fundraising effort broadcasted from Entercom’s studios in Greentree, took place on February 14 & 15, 2019.

“Each year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the hundreds of individuals who call in and support the Warmathon by making a donation,” said Chad Quinn, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund. “We look forward to using the contributions from this year’s event to help our neighbors in need maintain or restore safe utility service this winter.”

Dollar Energy Fund’s partnering utilities, which includes Columbia Gas, Peoples Natural Gas, Duquesne Light Company 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 40 volunteers 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 $25,000 in funding to match individual donations received during the two-day event. Additional corporate support was received from Wahl Family Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, MediConnect, Life Pittsburgh, Allegent Community Federal Credit Union, Jackson Lewis, Carl W. Herrmann Furs, Tevis Auto Service, Berger & Green Attorneys at Law, and Mike Camlin Hyundai of Greensburg.

Several local businesses provided items that were used to incentivize donors, including Air Pro Heating & Cooling, Totin’s Diner, The Carlton Restaurant, Sarris Candies, The Smallman Street Deli, Oakmont Bakery, Tambellini’s Restaurant and Betsy Ann Chocolates. In addition, Brueggers Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Azorean Cafe and Core Life Eatery provided food for our Warmathon call center volunteers and staff members.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to NewsRadio 1020 KDKA, 100.7 STAR, KDKA-TV, hosts Larry Richert and John Shumway, and Marty Griffin for their continued support and promotion of the Warmathon.

More than 130 individuals became “Neighborhood Heroes” by making a donation of $180 during the event. A contribution at this level, once matched by the organization’s utility partners, is equal to the average grant amount provided by Dollar Energy Fund. These donors will be entered to win a credit on their utility accounts that will give them free service for a year.

With this year’s contributions, 9,500 local, limited-income families have benefited from the total of $3.12 million that has been raised since the first Warmathon in 2009.

Our less fortunate neighbors still need help. Please continue to support Dollar Energy Fund. To donate, mail a check to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, visit www.warmathon.com to make an online contribution, or text WARM to 50555 to have a $10 donation added to your wireless bill. Message & data rates may apply. Customers of participating utility companies may also make a monthly donation to the organization through their utility bill.

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