Over 1,475 walkers, runners and bicycle riders participated in the 2024 charitable walk/run Race for Warmth, which featured a bicycle route for the first time.
This year, Clark Public Utilities’ (CPU) event, which took place Jan. 28, raised a record-setting $70,000 to CPU’s Operation Warm Heart, a donor-funded program that helps community members in financial crisis who may not qualify for other payment assistance.
Every dollar from the race registrations went toward helping local families in financial crisis cover home energy expenses as part of the program.
“Setting a new donation record was the perfect way to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Race for Warmth, and it couldn’t have been done without the support and generosity from our community, our business partners and the more than 100 utility employee volunteers who helped put the event together,” said Maxie Mayer, Clark Public Utilities marketing and events specialist in a release. “Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help us assist families in need.”
The proceeds of this year’s race will directly benefit more than 240 families in the Clark County community, a press release stated.
Participation in the Race for Warmth has tripled since its 2015 inaugural event. It has raised more than $485,000 in its 10-year history.
The 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races are popular in the county, the release added. In honor of the 10th anniversary, a bike division was added, and cyclists followed a scenic 16-mile route to and from Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park, the release added.
Since 1985 Operation Warm Heart has provided nearly 17,000 customers just under $4.4 million in grants — all generously provided by Clark Public Utilities customers, employees and local businesses. Donations can be made year-round at any CPU location, online at myaccount.clarkpublicutilities.com/owh or by calling 360-992-3000.
