Walk for Warmth ushers in $17,000 for low income families - KOTA Territory News

Walk for Warmth ushers in $17,000 for low income families

Thanks to business and community support for the recent Walk For Warmth in Rapid City, the Salvation Army and Church Response now have an additional $17,226 in energy assistance for local households in need across the Black Hills region.

Nearly 400 participants raised $8,613 in donations during the day. Black Hills Power matched those funds and will deliver a total of $17,226 to the two local agencies.

"The entire community rallied around this effort," said Chuck Loomis, vice president of operations at Black Hills Power. "We're humbled by the outpouring of support we've witnessed in the community since Black Hills Power initiated Walk For Warmth last year. As a community partner, we see proof every day that working together makes all of us stronger."

This year's Walk For Warmth significantly outpaced results from last year's inaugural event, both in turnout and donations. Energy assistance funding from this event increased 12.5 percent, nearly $2,000 more than was raised last year. "We're confident Walk for Warmth will continue to gain momentum every year, and that the amount of energy assistance provided will grow along with it," Loomis said.