JACKSON, Mich., March 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy employees contributed a record amount of money to help Michigan residents stay warm this winter, raising more than $275,000 through Walk for Warmth events across the state.
"More than 1,700 employees demonstrated their commitment to the communities we serve by walking in cold weather and raising more than twice as much money as last year to help our neighbors in need," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation. "This winter was exceptional, and so was the response from everyone who took part in a Walk for Warmth."
Consumers Energy teamed up with local Community Action Agencies statewide to sponsor 34 Walk for Warmth events all over Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Consumers Energy donated $2 for every dollar that employees, family and friends raised.
Last year, Consumers Energy and employees raised $112,000. This year's total represented the most the company and employees have ever raised.
The assistance should make an immediate impact, helping hundreds of families statewide to pay energy bills. In many cases, funds raised through Walk for Warmth events help households that lack other financial resources.
"The participation of Consumers Energy and its employees in Walk for Warmth has been a great asset to the CAAs in their area," said Kate White, executive director of Michigan Community Action Agency Association. "It really demonstrates good corporate citizenship at its finest. They've been a great partner in raising money and awareness in the struggle to keep Michigan warm."
The following represent fundraising totals for some Michigan communities: Jackson -- $80,000; Greenville -- $26,000; Three Rivers -- $22,800; Grand Rapids -- $16,500; Sterling Heights -- $16,000; Saginaw -- $12,600; Lansing -- $11,800; Adrian -- $11,200; Alma -- $10,000; Midland -- $6,300; Oakland -- $3,500; Flint -- $3,000.
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
PHOTOS: View, download photos from this year's Walk for Warmth events: www.flickr.com/photos/consumersenergy/sets/72157641861736584/
BEAT THE FREEZE: Consumers Energy is helping Michigan residents with this winter's energy bills. Call 800-477-5050 for bill payment assistance or learn more at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/energyanswers.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy, go to: www.ConsumersEnergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
SOURCE Consumers Energy