Hardee’s and FOX 2/KPLR Fundraiser Help Sick Kids and Small Children in Needy Households Stay Cool and Safe

During the weekend of August 14, 15 and 16th the newly created Hardee’s Buy A Drink, Cool A Kid, benefit At Busch Stadium will aid in keeping area Missouri and Illinois low-income households with sick infants and small children cool and safe this summer. The charitable effort is co-sponsored by FOX 2 and KPLR, Channel 11.  This is the last official fundraiser of the summer for Cool Down St. Louis, and replaces the Shake Our Can fundraiser.

Although July’s temperatures have been relatively manageable for area residents, a brief heat wave or current hot August temperatures are going to put a dent in the budgets of area needy households. These households have to deal with medication, grocery and rent financial challenges in addition to their electric bills. The needy families may also not be able to afford a new or slightly used air-conditioner.“A lot of people are truly struggling this summer, despite the mild temperatures as a whole,” said Melanie DiLeo, board chairwoman, Cool Down St. Louis, a regional, education and utility assistance, not-for-profit charity. “We forget that temperatures in the 80s can be extremely challenging, especially with old brick homes, where there is a baking effect.”.

Cool Down officials are encouraging Cardinals sport fans, who don’t get to the stadium this weekend, to log into www.cooldownstlouis.org and make a secure credit card donation. 100% of all public donations are used for servicing the needy, as the all-volunteer, diverse board of directors underwrite operational expenses.

During this coming weekend, Hardee’s in Busch Stadium will sell all of their beverages for regular price, and 100% of all proceeds will go toward helping children in need of an air-conditioner or whose needy parents may be facing a disconnection notice, despite the Hot Weather Rule. The Cardinals CARE charity will provide matching funds from this weekend’s on-line and stadium effort.

Cool Down officials believe that when brick homes’ utilities are disconnected over a long period of time, the properties can also become deadly and unhealthy for the occupants, and may cause heat-related illnesses and potential deaths.

Donations may also be sent to Cool Down St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188. In additional the charity is accepting new and slightly used air-conditioners, which can be dropped off during regular business hours at any area Vatterott College campus. A receipt will be given to the donor for their tax purposes.