The Rams Boot Out Old Man Boast 200 Area Volunteers and Firefighters Helping The Needy Stay Safe and Warm, This Winter At Edward Jones Dome, and Tailgate Parties In Downtown Area

About 200 area business, and civic leaders join St. Louis Firefighters in an annual collection to help many Missouri and Illinois seniors, the disabled and needy families pay their winter heating bills. The “Rams Boot Out Old Man Winter,” special collection drive will take place on Sunday, November 26 before, during and after the Rams weekend game in and around the Edward Jones Dome. This year, the Metro exists downtown to the Dome, as well as tailgate parties will be covered by volunteers wearing bright yellow hats and yellow or red buckets.

100% proceeds from the special collection from St. Louis Rams fans will help Heat-Up St. Louis, the regional, non-utility, all-volunteer charity, headed-up by St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, which helps the needy restore a home heating source. “Winter is a very dangerous time for many area homeowners, as they make tough choices between eating and heating,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George. “People often use unsafe methods of heating their homes, and we want to help these people get re-connected, so that they can have a safe and warm winter.”

Heat-Up St. Louis officials also reminds the general public, who can’t get to the game, they can always make tax-deductible donations to: Heat-Up St Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188. They also can use credit cards by logging into

Heat-Up St Louis chairwoman Melanie DiLeo also praised St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy for making a $5,000. Kennedy previously gave the donation to Chief George,. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, the honorary board chair and president-elect Kevin McGowan, chairman of McGowan/Walsh loft developers.

‘The St. Louis Rams Club and player Kennedy continue to show a significant concern for area needy residents, said DiLeo. “It’s going to take neighbors, helping neighbors, so we can raise as much money as possible this winter.”

Heat-Up St. Louis which has an all-volunteer board, ensures that all donations go directly to servicing the needy, as all expenses are underwritten by the governing body. This year the energy assistance charity is hoping to raise about $15,000 and much more from the Boot Out Old Man Winter campaign.

During this 2006-07 winter heating season, the charity is hoping to raise from various other fund-raising efforts more than $400,000. Last winter, the group raised a record $700,000. The charity provides energy assistance grants ranging from $100 to $600 to qualified applicants. Anyone who may need assistance needs to call the Heat-Up Hotline at 314-241-7668.