CUB Attends Annual Dinner and Auction for Oregon HEAT
Posted on October 14, 2011 by Emmaline Pohnl
Tags, Consumers and Utility Customers, Public Involvement and Coalitions
On October 1st, CUB attended the Annual Dinner and Auction of Oregon HEAT, a non-profit organization that, like CUB, is dedicated to protecting the Oregon consumer, particularly those with limited resources. The rainy and cold weather was appropriate considering that Oregon HEAT’s central mission is to prevent that typical Oregon weather from impacting lower-income families who struggle to pay the bills keeping their heat and lights on. Through the generosity of its donors and strong community partnerships, Oregon HEAT provides financial assistance to these individuals to help them cover those costs, ensuring their houses stay warm and lit. The organization also encourages energy self-reliance through offering energy conservation education. In 2010 alone, Oregon HEAT helped over 15,000 individuals with emergency energy assistance.
At the benefit event, supporters and partnering organizations gathered together at the Crown Plaza Hotel to celebrate the positive impact of Oregon HEAT and contribute funds to continue its vital work. The ballroom hummed with the animated conversation and laughter of over 170 people as dinner began. Oregon HEAT executive director Roger Rees took to the stage after the meal, to welcome all the attendees and introduce Marc Farmer, president of presenting sponsor West Oregon Electric Cooperative. Farmer highlighted the success of Oregon HEAT’s oil recycling program, which began in 2007. Oregon HEAT partners with the Oil Re-Refining Company to collect used oil from businesses, organizations, and individuals and re-refine it back into a usable form. Funds generated from the sale of the “new” oil go to provide energy assistance to families in need.
Native Oregonian and nationally acclaimed comedian Dave Anderson then took the microphone. After mercilessly poking fun at the audience members and himself, Anderson invited retired Gresham police chief and auctioneer Carla Piluso to join him on the stage to lead the auction. As she opened the bidding, the energy in the room rose. Bidders were generous with their offers, knowing that 90 cents of every dollar they donated to Oregon HEAT will go directly to households qualifying for assistance. An Italian dinner for eight people, cooked and served by Piluso in her home, sold for over 400 dollars!
The final amount of funds raised at this event will soon be released on Oregon HEAT’s blog . Check out their blog and website for more information on their organization and consider supporting Oregon Heat’s great work and help keep everyone warm this winter.
CUB was delighted to attend the event and commends Oregon HEAT for another year of supporting lower-income families and individuals who require energy assistance and encouraging efficient energy usage. In these challenging economic times, organizations like Oregon HEAT are needed more than ever.
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03/27/17 | 0 Comments | CUB Attends Annual Dinner and Auction for Oregon HEAT