For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 685-7471
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Nov. 25, 2009

EWEB 'Run to Stay Warm' raises $20,000 for the needy

More than 875 people tightened the laces on their running shoes and turned out to participate in the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s third annual Run to Stay Warm on Nov. 21, which raised almost $20,000 for the utility’s Customer Care Program to help income-eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills.

The event featured the region’s only half-marathon of the fall season, as well as 10K and 5K runs/walks, and a Kids’ 400 meter dash. The various courses, following the flat, paved bike paths along the Willamette River, began and ended at the EWEB River Edge Plaza.

“It was so inspiring to see so many from our community come out on a chilly Saturday morning to help those in need,” said Shelley York, the event organizer and a member of EWEB’s Energy Management Services team. “The enthusiasm and generosity of the runners and walkers made me proud to live in this area.”

More than 25 people who didn’t want to get up early and run elected instead to participate in the companion “Sleep to Stay Warm” event by donating to the Customer Care Program and staying in bed.

The Run to Stay Warm started in 2007 with 650 participants who raised more than $11,000. In 2008, 756 runners and walkers raised more than $14,000. The 900-plus participants this year (including the “sleepers”) raised just under $20,000 to help those in need pay utility bills over the winter heating season.

The top women finishers in the half-marathon this year were: First place, Sunny Gilbert, 1:27:54; second place, Colleen Carter-Cox, 1:28:13; and third place, Wendy Pierpoint, 1:28:23. First place in the men’s half-marathon went to Kevin Cave, 1:12:54; second place to John Ngigi 1:12:55; and third place to Sean Meissner 1:16:19.

EWEB’s Customer Care Program helps more than 4,000 households with their utility bills each year. Many participants credit the program with helping them stay in their current homes and providing the opportunity to spend more money on non-energy necessities such as food, medicine and health care.

The Run to Stay Warm kicks off EWEB’s annual Customer Care donation campaign. Each year, people generously donate more than $100,000 to help customers in need.

Anyone interested in helping support Customer Care can make a donation by calling EWEB at 685-7000.