The giant ice house in Market Square is part of the Dollar Energy Fund’s Cool Down for Warmth event. Now in its fourth year, the frozen structure in the Square is much more than an awesome photo op (but still, don’t forget your camera).
1. It Raises Money for Local Families
Here’s the deal: Some people can’t afford to pay their heating bills. One of the ways Cool Down for Warmth is raising money for those families is by sticking willing participants in an ice house, where they remain until they’ve met their fundraising goal ($1,000 for individuals or $2,500 for teams). Yeah, it’ll be cold, but it’s worth it for such a great cause.
2. There’s a Soup Competition
This is definitely our favorite part: both days from 11a-2p there will be a soup challenge (!!). Local restaurants will be serving cups to the lunchtime crowd, and for just $10 you can sample four different soups from a menu of over a dozen (we’re talking Pirata, Market Street Grocery, NOLA, and Social House 7 to name a few). Then vote for your favorite, if you can pick just one.
3. Free Dunkin’ Coffee
From 9a-10a and from 2p-3p, Dunkin’ will be dishing out free hot or iced coffee coupons, which you can use just a few steps away. Make sure you hang around in the morning for a live 94.5 3WS broadcast until 1p while you sip on your free joe.
4. Free Queso
Prayers answered. Chipotle Mexican Grill be gifting free chips and queso coupons from 4p-5p on January 25th and 2p-3p on January 26th, but you have to redeem it during those hours. Not a problem – it’s always queso:30.
5. Free Pitt Basketball Tickets
Do we even need to go on? On January 26 at 8:30a, you can come down to get free tickets to a Pitt basketball game. Between the soup, coffee, queso, and tickets, you’re basically making money while building awareness. It’s a win-win.
6. Dollar-for-Dollar Match
All donations will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from partnering utility companies (like Columbia Gas and Peoples Natural Gas) and 100% of the donations and matching funds will be used to provide utility assistance grants to local families in need through Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program.
7. You’ll Feel Good
Seriously – isn’t helping others the best?
Whether you’re downing bowls of soup, sitting in an ice house, or just want to give a few dollars, this 2-day event should definitely be on your calendar. Can’t make it? Text GIVE5 to 55055 to donate $5, GIVE10 to donate $10, or click here to donate to a team.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
