Walkers and Sponsors Invited to OLHSA’s 24th Annual Walk for Warmth

OLHSA, A Community Action Agency, announces its 24th annual Walk for Warmth event for Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Hartland Educational Support Service Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

OLHSA invites Livingston County residents to sponsor, walk as teams or individuals, donate or volunteer to this community-favorite event, sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. Funds raised support Emergency Utility Assistance, helping to keep Livingston families warm throughout the winter.

Last year OLHSA’s Livingston County Walk for Warmth raised over $65,000 and combined with the Oakland County Walk for Warmth brought in over $170,000 for utility assistance. The 2014 goal is to exceed that.

“We have enjoyed growing support year after year from the tight-knit Livingston community,” said Ronald B. Borngesser, OLHSA CEO.  “We are humbled by their generosity and are excited to again offer a family friendly, feel-good event. The combination of a great cause and energetic atmosphere will no doubt once again draw a big crowd of supporters." 

Emergency Utility Assistance is one of OLHSA’s most in-demand programs. Every year hundreds of families are helped with funds raised by Walk for Warmth. “Almost half of the people helped by Walk for Warmth in Livingston County are children,” said Undersheriff Mike Murphy, Walk for Warmth Livingston Chairperson. “It takes a village to make sure our children are warm enough to learn, grow and be happy. OLHSA’s Walk for Warmth brings that village together.”

What about the fun? There is plenty, including music, games, balloon animals and face painting, refreshments, door prizes, and even creative suggestions for how to raise funds. “This is a great way to get some exercise indoors during Michigan’s tough winters, connect with your neighbors and make a difference,” said Ashley Long, PR coordinator for OLHSA. “OLHSA offers support to help fundraise so your contribution can make the biggest impact. Walkers can create a free and secure fundraising website to share with family and friends, and watch fundraising success grow.”

Preregistration for the event is open through January 31, 2014. Visitwww.olhsa.org/walk4warmth to register, become a sponsor, or learn more. Event begins at 8:30am with registration and t-shirt pick-up prior to walking. 

OLHSA will also hold a Walk for Warmth event in Oakland County. The 2014 Oakland County Walk for Warmth is on Saturday, February 8 at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

Walk for Warmth is Livingston County’s premier Walk-a-Thon event, giving back 100 percent of proceeds to the Emergency Utility Assistance Program at OLHSA, A Community Action Agency. In 2013 Walk for Warmth funds kept 118 Livingston County families warm (370 individuals). We would like to thank our long time major sponsors,Genisys Credit Union, First National Bank, First United Methodist Church of Howell,First Presbyterian Church of Brighton and Brighton Masonic Lodge for helping keep people warm over the years.

OLHSA is a Community Action Agency improving the quality of life for people facing crisis while strengthening families, communities, seniors and youth since 1964. Over 259,000 services were provided in 2012 in the pursuit of helping people and changing lives. www.olhsa.org