U93 Freezin’ for a Reason Event a Success for United Way’s Team HEAT Program

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Dec. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- U93 hosted Freezin’ for a Reason, an event that benefitted United Way of St. Joseph County’s (UWSJC) Team HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Team) program. All proceeds collected at the event went toward the Team HEAT program, which provides local families in St. Joseph County with heating and utility assistance during the winter months.

Freezin’ for a Reason took place on the weekend of Nov. 15-17. U93 DJ Artimis broadcasted live from the parking lot of Martin’s Supermarket in Erskine Plaza. A final wrap-up of the event took place during The Rob Show on Monday, Nov. 18. “Staying outside in the U93 van was challenging but a great way to bring awareness to this issue in our community,” said Artimis. “We had a ton of fun working with United Way and Martin’s, and the community’s support was outstanding!”

Donations collected over the weekend totaled over $3,100, which is enough funding to provide 52 individual months of family utility assistance. Funds were collected at a donation table set up inside Martin’s and also on U93’s website. Martin’s raised money for Team HEAT through cookie decorating called “Cookies for a Cause” and hot chocolate sales. “The turnout was fantastic,” said Dawn Chapla, Director of Labor and Financial Stability at UWSJC. “This is the first time we’ve teamed up with a community partner for an event like this exclusively for Team HEAT, and we are blown away by the participation and support we received from our community members. Our community really cares about giving back.”

Team HEAT matches each $50 clients pay toward their monthly heating bills during the five winter months. For $300, families can maintain their heat in the coldest months, receive financial education and build a plan with a personal case coordinator. These support systems lead to year-round utility services and a better understanding of maintaining a budget and building a personal and financial plan for their future.

If you would like more information about the program or if you would like to donate or volunteer for Team HEAT, please contact Dawn Chapla at (574) 232-8201, ext. 228 or at dchapla@uwsjc.org.

United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit organization working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. It works closely with local agency programs to meet the community needs of St. Joseph County.