Hardee’s Rise ‘N Shine for Heat Brings In $300,000 for Heatupstlouis.org Up Slightly More Than 7% Vs. 2015 Campaign

The bi-state area’s Heatupstlouis.org, an all-volunteer, utility assistance, education and advocacy charity announced that as of today (Monday), its largest annual Missouri and Illinois fundraiser has broken another all-time record.

The Hardee’s Rise ‘N Shine For Heat Valentine Weekend fundraiser obtained slightly more than $300,000 from the generosity of the public who dropped off donations to 625 volunteers, serving as greeters at area Hardee’s restaurants on Friday, February 12, 2016. This fundraising effort obtained slightly more than 7% versus the 2015 campaign where 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Hardee’s Egg Biscuit and Sausage ‘N Egg biscuit products, collection canisters and special grants went to the regional charity to help qualified seniors, disabled and low-income people with their high winter heating bills and to help them to avoid unsafe methods of heating, avoiding deadly house fires. Monies collected in specific MO/IL counties will remain there to help qualified needy residents through the heatupstlouis.org social service network.

“We are just overjoyed with the generosity of the public, Hardee’s, the ‘caring’ St. Louis media, and the volunteers for helping to keep their neighbors safe and warm,” said Melanie DiLeo, Chairwoman, and Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., chair emeritus of the Board of Directors, Heatupstlouis.org.  “Without neighbors helping neighbors, we could experience more health and safety issues, as being without a heating source continues to be very dangerous, as witnessed this winter.”

“Our media partners played a pivotal role in helping us raised much needed funds, with their public service and weather messaging, as well as their live coverage with on-air talents, at various Hardee’s throughout the St. Louis region,” said Rev. Nance.  The 17th Annual Hardee’s Rise and Shine for Heat is being scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2017, as a “Have a Heart, Heat A Home,” pre-Valentine fundraiser.

If anyone wishes to make a larger tax-deductible donation, they may do so by logging onto www.heatupstlouis.org or sending a check or money order to HEAT-UP ST. Louis c/o UMB BANK, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188.

Heatupstlouis.org is taking requests from qualified seniors, disabled and low-income households by logging onto www.heatupstlouis.org or by calling the automated hotline at 314-241-7668. The public shouldn’t let the forthcoming warm winter weather fool them.  All it takes are a series of cold snaps to hike up one’s utility bills.