Several people gathered Feb. 23 at Turner Park to participate in the Walk for Warmth and Fun Run.
This was the sixth annual Walk for Warmth and the first year the Fun Run was incorporated into this event.
The idea for this event sprung when the Omaha Public Power District made a new position in order to reach out to nonprofits to leverage resources and work with those with financial difficulties. Judi Martin filled this position.
In a round table hosted by Martin ideas were generated in order to engage community in Omaha and highlight this very important issue.
When Martin got wind of the statewide walks and runs Michigan used to combat this issue she immediately began speaking with those in the Omaha Community, who in a collaborative effort made this event a success.
“It is the community all coming together,” Martin said.
This event is to help those in the Omaha Area that may have trouble paying their utility bills.
“It helps low income, elderly and disabled first and foremost,” said Susan Eustice from the Salvation Army during an interview on KMTV’s Morning Blend.
Around this time of year, many people use alternative methods of heating, which can be dangerous as they lead to many house fires.
From 2009 to 2011, there was a 20.9 percent increase in the number of Omaha-area households that requested assistance with their utility bills, according to the Walk for Warmth website.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Jim Suttle attended the event and addressed participants.
Three of Nebraska’s royalty were present – Miss Nebraska Ellie Lorenzo, Mrs. Nebraska Kandis Riedenbach and Miss Kool-Aid Days Kim Brenan. They each expressed that they themselves would not be walking or running but would be cheering on those daring enough to do so.
“This event helps us realize what we take for grated this time of year,” Brenan said.
With temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s, the runners began 10 a.m. and were shortly followed by the walkers.
The Omaha Public Police Department, as well as volunteers, spread out along the route to steer participants in the right direction.
Participants received a blue stocking cap depicting the Heartland Walk for Warmth logo to keep them warm.
“Most of us go from a warm house to a warm car and always have access to warmth,” Brenan said.
This event allowed Omaha citizens a taste of the cold and a second thought on how fortunate we are to have heating.
Last year, the campaign raised $116,000 and their goal for this year is $125,000. So far, the Heartland Walk for Warmth raised around $75,000 but the campaign lasts through the end of May.
In order to donate to this cause one can simply visit http://heartlandwalkforwarmth.org and click on the donate tab. Other ways to donate are to text HWFW to 80077 to make a $10 donation or mail checks to Heartland Walk for Warmth c/o Downtown Omaha Inc., PO Box 8252, Omaha, NE 68108.