Cool Down for Warmth helps 625 families in need

*UPDATE: As donations continue to come in, our Cool Down for Warmth fundraising total has increased to more than $217,500! This amount will assist 625 Pittsburgh families.

Dollar Energy Fund raised more than $166,000 during its Cool Down for Warmth event on Jan. 25 and 26, all with the help of local business leaders, sponsors, utility partners and many generous community individuals. The amount raised will provide assistance for approximately 475 Pittsburgh families and individuals who are struggling to afford safe utility service this winter. Though the event is over, donations are still coming in! Those who wish to help local families in need may continue to donate online at www.dollarenergy.org/donate.

Over the course of the two-day event, many supporters sat in Dollar Energy Fund’s giant ice house in Market Square to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of families in our region without heat-related utility service. Many individuals and teams exceeded their fundraising goals, including Bishop David Zubik, Amanda Hardt of Schneider Downs, Range Resources, Morgan O’Brien of Peoples Natural Gas, Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Reed Smith, Audrey Russo of Pittsburgh Technology Council and FirstEnergy.

Dave Spigelmyer of Marcellus Shale Coalition and Duquesne Light’s Subzero Heroes team both surpassed their initial goal of $10,000. Others showed their support by visiting the house and participating in our Bowls for Warmth event.

During construction of the ice house and throughout the event, hundreds of downtown Pittsburgh employees passed through Market Square to see the house, take a tour and contribute to the event. Attendees also enjoyed the Dunkin’ Donuts Selfie Wall of Ice, Citizens Bank Ice ATM, as well as numerous giveaways including free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, Chipotle chips and queso, and Pitt Basketball tickets.

Many restaurants donated their time and resources to participate in the Bowls for Warmth Lunch in the Square Soup Tasting, including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Diamond Market Bar & Grill, Harris Grill, Market Street Grocery, McCormick & Schmick’s, NOLA on the Square, The Original Oyster House, Penn Avenue Fish Company, Pirata, Primanti Bros., Sienna on the Square, Six Penn Kitchen, Social House 7, Twelve Whiskey BBQ, and Vallozzi’s. Bowls for Warmth received a great response from the community, causing the event to sell out both days and bring in over $8,000 in donations. In addition, attendees voted for their favorite soup. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced soon.

Dollar Energy Fund is grateful for the overwhelming support of our generous utility partners and sponsors, including UPMC, Citizens Bank, Peoples Natural Gas, Columbia Gas, Duquesne Light, FirstEnergy, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mastro Gourmet Quality Ice, Proforma, Jackson Lewis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pitt Athletics, Pittsburgh Penguins, 94.5 3WS, Range Resources, Deep Well Services, Perle, Comcast Spotlight, Fidelity National Title, Clark’s Studio, and SouthHillsAuto.com.

On behalf of the limited-income households we will continue to assist this year, thank you to everyone who supported our event! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates on future fundraisers, like our Warmathon in February.

View more photos from the event here.