For More Information Contact:
John Mitchell, (541) 341-8539 or 954-7528 (cell)
john.mitchell@eweb.eugene.or.us

                   

Nov. 7 , 2007

EWEB’s “Run to Stay Warm” slated for Saturday, Nov. 17

Eugene Water & Electric Board’s “Run to Stay Warm,” a fundraiser for the utility’s Customer Care Program, is scheduled for the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m. in EWEB’s River Edge Plaza.

Proceeds from the event, which includes half-marathon, 10K, 5K and kid’s 400-meter dash races, will help income-eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills. EWEB’s Customer Care Program helps more than 4,500 households each year.

“We are excited to put on the first of what we hope to be an annual event,” says Tom Williams, EWEB Key Account Manager and race coordinator. “We have a great course and a great cause. Everyone can relate to staying warm this winter.”

Since 1986, the Customer Care program (formerly known as Energy Share) has provided financial aid for qualifying limited-income customers. Customers-in-need may be eligible to receive up to $200 in bill assistance per year, which is credited directly to their EWEB account.

The Customer Care program is funded by EWEB and its customers, the City of Eugene, and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission. The program is administered under a contract with the Lane County Human Services Commission. Assistance is based on household income. To apply for aid, customers first must schedule an appointment by calling one of the numbers listed below:

• St. Vincent de Paul Society: 461-8794
• Celeste Campbell Senior Center: 682-5354 (for customers 60 years and older)
• Catholic Community Services: 747-8349 (for customers living in the Springfield/McKenzie area)

For more information, contact John Mitchell at 341-8539 or Tom Williams at 341-8577.