Save the Date: Heat the Streets Returns to Aksarben Village March 5

For additional information: Jodi Baker, 531-226-3592

After going virtual last year, the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth is coming back to Aksarben Village on Saturday, March 5. The event, co-hosted by Metropolitan Utilities District and Omaha Public Power District, raises money for utility assistance programs in our area.

While utility assistance is a year-round need, this event, now in its 15th year, is held during the cold winter months to bring attention to those who struggle to heat their homes and keep the lights on. Participants may choose between a 5k run and a one-mile walk, starting just outside Aksarben’s Inner Rail Food Hall, 1911 S. 67th St., Omaha.

Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves low-income utility customers. Funds are equally distributed between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program to provide local assistance to those in need. Dollar Energy works with 26 local entities throughout the utilities’ service territories to provide this financial assistance for utility bills to our neighbors in need.

The co-chairs for the 2022 Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth are M.U.D. Director Jim Begley, alongside his wife, Rebecca, and OPPD Director Craig Moody, alongside his wife, Emily.

Last year, the event surpassed its $100,000 goal to help those struggling to pay their utility bills. However, with continued economic and health challenges, the utilities estimate customer need has more than doubled. Therefore, we have increased our joint fundraising goal to $300,000 for 2022.

*Awards will be distributed at the in-person 5k to the first-, second- and third-place male and female runners in each of the following age divisions: 

12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

Registration for the event begins Jan. 1. Those who wish to do so should visit HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com. Participants may participate virtually, if they prefer, at a location of their own choosing. People also have an option of donating to the cause, without completing the run or walk. 

5K, in-person or virtual, cost:

• $35 (Now through March 1)

One-mile walk, in-person or virtual, cost:

• $25 (Now through March 1)
• Children 12 and under receive free registration with a paid adult.

*While the 2022 Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth is currently scheduled to be in-person, the event planning team is monitoring local and state guidelines as they relate to the coronavirus pandemic. If this becomes a virtual event, awards will not be given out. Any status updates will be posted at HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com, as well as the event’s Facebook page, as needed. 

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M.U.D.’s Mission:

Provide safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas and water services to our community. 

OPPD’s Mission: 

Provide affordable, reliable and environmentally sensitive energy services to our customers. 

About Dollar Energy Fund:

Dollar Energy Fund is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for households experiencing hardships by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency. For more than 38 years, we’ve served the limited-income community by providing $229 million in utility assistance grants to more than 758,000 limited-income families and individuals.

Date

Mon, 12/13/2021 – 12:00