The Cause | heatdance

Warmth: A Fundamental Need

It's easy for many of us to forget what it means to be cold and have no ready means for relief. Step outside on a cold Maine morning without a jacket, and imagine not having a toasty home or warm shower to come back to. This is reality for many -- too many -- of our neighbors.

For many years, Susan Crane, pastor at Henderson Baptist Church in Farmington, has worked with Westen Maine Community Action to provide assistance to deserving individuals and families in Franklin County who face the prospect of insufficient heat during our winter season. She tells stories of elderly people or single parents who live in homes that never get warmer than 58 degrees.

This winter, by the end of December, 267 homes had asked for assistance through the ECU Heat program Susan administers. Each applicant pays $50 toward their own delivery, and the ECU Heat fund pays the remainder. Homes are provided a one-time, critical delivery of fuel oil, propane, pellets or fire wood.

The funds raised by Heat Dance are essential to help provide this most basic of human needs. What is raised in February will be used for immediate assistance. But if we raise enough, a portion will be carried forward to seed the program in the early months of next year's winter. That is crucial, because these funds provide an important lifeline until state and federal assistance is available. Last year's Heat Dance is a big reason why Susan and WMCA were able to keep many people warm this past November and December.

This is the sixth annual Heat Dance. During that time it has raised more than $68,000 -- quite an achievement for a small, rural Maine community. That is thanks to many individuals and organizations both large and small. We are hoping to do even better this year. That is why we welcome, and are grateful for, your support. And remember that just coming to the dance and having a fantastic evening means support -- and makes a difference!

TESTIMONIALS

"We extend our appreciation to the organizers for making lives better for Maine citizens ..."

Proclaimation, the Senate and House or Representatives, the Sate of Maine

"Heat Dance has become a local institution. As a rural, grass-roots initiative that raises significant money for a vital cause, it is distinctive in the State of Maine. It is also an example of our state at it’s best – an illustration of what communities can achieve when they join together to address a serious problem in their midst . . ."

Paul LePage, Governor, State of Maine