Local Families to Benefit From 8th Annual Cool Down for Warmth

The 8^th Annual Cool Down for Warmth, powered by Dynegy and benefiting Dollar Energy Fund, will be held as a virtual event on Thursday, January 27, 2022, to raise funds and awareness for local households in need of assistance with their heat-related utility services.  Community members wishing to make a donation in support of the cause can do so by calling 1-800-823-WARM between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, or clicking below to donate online.

Once again, ice structures by Mastro Gourmet Ice will be built and carved in Gateway Center and showcased during the 9:00 a.m. live broadcast on KDKA-TV’s Pittsburgh Today Live (PTL). Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, this year’s ice structure will not be open to the public.

“The Cool Down for Warmth has been Dollar Energy Fund’s way of connecting with the community and raising awareness for those in our region who struggle to maintain basic utility services during the winter months,” said Chad Quinn, Dollar Energy Fund’s CEO.  “And, since many in our area are struggling to afford the costs associated with keeping their utilities on so their families can be safe and warm in their homes, we are grateful to have the opportunity to continue our outreach efforts on Pittsburgh Today Live.  All are welcome to tune into the live broadcast on January 27 to see the Cool Down for Warmth ice structure, learn more about Dollar Energy Fund, and find out how they can help spread the warmth to their neighbors in need.”

All donations, whether made online or over the phone, will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from Dollar Energy Fund’s partnering utility companies, which includes Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Duquesne Light Company, Peoples Natural Gas and West Penn Power, A FirstEnergy Company.  Funds collected will go directly to support local families who are struggling to restore or maintain basic utility service.

This year’s Cool Down for Warmth event is sponsored by Dynegy, UPMC, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, First Commonwealth Bank, and EQT.

Pittsburgh business and community members, including teams from First Energy, PA Bar Association’s Utility Law Section, members of Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors and other supporters, are utilizing an online crowdfunding platform to raise funds in support of the cause.  Donations can be made in support of their efforts by visiting www.givebutter.com/cooldownforwarmth2022.

Since the first Cool Down for Warmth in 2015, $2.1 million has been raised to benefit 6,000 households in western Pennsylvania.