Last year nearly 1,500 runners and walkers took to the course and made additional donations to raise more than $66,000 for Operation Warm Heart
VANCOUVER — The sixth annual Race for Warmth, a timed 5k walk/run and 10k run to benefit Operation Warm Heart, will be held Sun., Jan. 26 at the Clark Public Utilities downtown location. Registration is available online now at www.raceforwarmth.com.
The fun run/walk is hosted by Clark Public Utilities in partnership with Area Heating & Cooling New Tradition Homes, Burgerville, McCord’s Vancouver Toyota and many other local businesses. A $30 registration fee includes a long-sleeve performance shirt and race bag, and every dollar raised goes directly to local families in financial crisis, to help pay winter heating bills.
“The race is Operation Warm Heart’s largest fundraising event of the year,” said Maxie Mayer, Clark Public Utilities marketing communications coordinator. “And thanks to our local business partners and employee volunteers, every registration dollar goes straight to helping community members who need help with their heating bills.”
Last year nearly 1,500 runners and walkers took to the course and made additional donations to raise more than $66,000 for Operation Warm Heart.
A free fun run for kids ages 3-8, led by Rally the Ridgefield Raptors mascot, kicks off the event at 8:30 a.m. followed by starts for the timed 5k and 10k races beginning at 9 a.m. and 9:05 a.m., respectively.
The 5k route loops runners and walkers through downtown Vancouver. The 10k race route takes runners through the historic Fort Vancouver, along the Columbia River and through the downtown core. Dozens of utility employee-volunteers will be staged along the routes as course marshals and flaggers to keep racers safe and on track.
“The race has become a favorite for many in our community — families love that it offers an activity for all ages and avid runners appreciate that the event is professionally timed,” Mayer said. “Our employee-volunteers couldn’t be happier to bring our customers a fun community event that benefits a good cause.”
Those who want to support Operation Warm Heart without pounding the pavement on a chilly Sunday morning can contribute via the Sleep in to Stay Warm online donation option.
From now through Jan. 26, Burgerville patrons can also donate to Operation Warm Heart at any Clark County location.
Race participants are invited to Heathen Brewing Feral Public House for an after-after-party and a free drink of their choice.
Event partners include Area Heating & Cooling, New Tradition Homes, McCords Vancouver Toyota, Burgerville, Columbia Credit Union, NW Natural, 811 Call Before You Dig, NW Personal Training, WHY Racing, Sprint Wireless, Chuck’s Produce, Identify Advertising, Franz Bakery, Heathen Brewing Feral Public House, WPUDA, Active Telesource, Royal restrooms, Corwin Beverage and CRESA.
About Operation Warm Heart
Since its creation in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided more than $3.6 million to nearly 14,000 customers in financial crisis. The donor-funded program helps families in need who may not qualify for other government programs. For more than 30 years, Clark Public Utilities customers and employees have generously funded Operation Warm Heart. Donations can be made year-round at any Clark Public Utilities location or by calling (360) 992-3000.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 210,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 37,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. More information is available at (360) 992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
