9th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for The Heat And Warmth Fund Hits the Airwaves January 27-28

31-hour Radiothon Plans to Raise $1.6 Million in Emergency Energy Assistance Funding for Struggling Michigan Families

DETROIT, MI – When colder temperatures arrive, many households face the danger of losing their heat and/or electricity entirely because they cannot afford to pay their utility bills. To help our neighbors in need keep the lights and heat on this winter, WWJ Newsradio 950 has once again teamed up with The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) to produce the 9th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon on January 27-28, 2012.

The live broadcast takes place at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn starting at 5:00 am on Friday, January 27th and ending at noon on Saturday, January 28th. The Henry Ford will be open to the public from 9:30 am - 5 pm during the Radiothon.

Since 2004, WWJ’s Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW has raised nearly $8 million. Last year, the yearly fundraising event produced $1.3 million in energy assistance. With the need even greater than ever before, organizers expect to meet and exceed last year’s Radiothon with this year’s goal of $1.6 million in emergency energy assistance funds to be raised through on-air donations, sponsorships, events, online auction and matching funds from DTE Energy.

"The Winter Survival Radiothon is one of THAW’s primary sources of community support and helps us provide emergency assistance to Michigan households facing a home energy crisis,” said Susan Sherer, THAW CEO. “We are so grateful to WWJ, our sponsors and partners including DTE Energy for making the Radiothon possible and look forward to reaching our goal of $1.6 million to help THAW provide energy assistance to those in need.”

Volunteers and supporters from local businesses, schools and community organizations will work the phone banks receiving donations. Appearances from area leaders and personalities from the government, business, entertainment, and sports sectors will be on hand during the Radiothon to encourage donations and offer their support of THAW’s mission. In addition, DTE Energy will match certain hourly donations.

"We’ve heard the heartbreaking stories of families who have gone to great lengths to stay warm in their homes and have reported some tragic outcomes as a result of their desperate efforts,” said Debbie Kenyon, Sr. Vice President/Market Manager of CBS Radio Detroit. “WWJ Newsradio 950 understands that heat and electricity are a necessity and we are proud to offer our support to THAW with the Winter Survival Radiothon and help them assist our vulnerable neighbors keep the heat and lights on this winter.”

In conjunction with the Radiothon, there are several supplementary events and fundraisers to engage the public, including:

• Pedal for Power – On Friday, January 27th during the Radiothon at The Henry Ford Museum from 9 am - 4 pm, cyclists will battle in a head-to-head fundraising competition. Entry fee to compete in two 250-meter races (roughly 20 seconds) is a $10 Text to Give donation to THAW. Prizes will be awarded to fastest riders. For additional information, contact sweetbikes@me.com or 248-403-8049.

• Treadmill Challenges – Participants in the Treadmill Challenge will walk, jog or run to raise money through pledges from family and friends for THAW. From January 24 – 27, employees from DTE Energy, Compuware and Quicken Loans will run shifts on treadmills in the fitness centers at DTE Energy and Compuware Headquarters.

• Pennies for Power – A fundraising and energy education campaign running December though January has students from eight metro Detroit elementary schools competing in a school-wide penny (and other coin) drive to support THAW.

• Celebrity Coneys for a Cause – Celebrity servers made up of local media personalities, entertainers and athletes will be on hand January 24th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to serve lunch customers at American Coney Island located at 114 W. Lafayette in Detroit. A portion from the sales of coney and coney combo specials will be donated to THAW.

• Wine for Warmth – On January 26th from 7 – 10 pm at the Andiamo Riverfront, you can enjoy an evening of jazz entertainment and Andiamo cuisine paired with specialty wines. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.thawfund.org.
• Online Auction – Beginning Tuesday, January 24th and running through Monday, January 30th, bid on exciting regional items from Detroit's leading businesses, cultural institutions and sporting venues. Go to www.cbsdetroit.com and click on the Radiothon button and select the Auction link.

Donations may be made by calling the Winter Survival Radiothon Hotline at (888) 579-4950 or online at www.thawfund.org or www.cbsdetroit.com. Supporters who make a donation of $250 or greater will be included in the 950 Club and will receive a Biggby travel mug.

Since its inception in 1985, THAW has provided $102 million in emergency energy assistance to more than 155,000 Michigan households.

About The Heat and Warmth Fund
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), is an independent non-profit (501(c)(3) agency that provides emergency energy assistance to Michigan residents in need and advocates for long-term energy solutions. THAW was established in 1985 in order to improve the quality of life in Michigan and prevent human suffering by helping low-income individual s facing an energy crisis. To learn more about THAW, to inquire about assistance, or to make a donation, visit www.thawfund.org or call 1-800-866-8429.