Ortonville- Baby, it’s cold outside.
But with the help of ‘The Heat Stays On in Ortonville,? area families in need can stay warm.
Local business owners Al and Sue Bess and Amy Guirey and Perry Rouse started ‘The Heat Stays On? in 2004 as a way to keep the heat going for struggling families in the village and in Brandon Township. They raise money through different events and give the proceeds to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund, specifically earmarked to pay for heating bills.
‘I like the fundraising part,? says Guirey, ‘but I give the money to OCEF to do the disbursements.?
Last year, ‘The Heat Stays On? helped 23 local families in emergency situations. These families are often facing shut-off notices.
When the gas or electric company goes to a home to shut off heat for non-payment, they often take a police officer with them. Guirey recalls the time a police officer sought help from ‘The Heat Stays On? for one such family he had gone on a call for.
‘The father was unemployed and there were two little kids in that home in the dead of winter,? she said. ‘We called Judy (Henley, OCEF food pantry coordinator) and in an hour and a half, the heat was turned back on.?
Sue Bess remembers, too, the woman they helped, who paid it back when times were better so someone else could be helped.
‘We don’t want to know who we’re helping, but we want people to know that when they donate, it stays here,? Guirey said.
‘It’s taking care of your own,? adds Bess.
Last year, ‘The Heat Stays On,? raised $2,953 from fundraisers.
Today, at noon, they will have their annual softball fundraiser at the T-ball field at Sherman Park in the village, featuring the Village Pub vs. the Brandon Fire Department. Whoever loses will donate $200 to the fund.
Next weekend, is a Super Bowl Sunday fundraiser, a ham and roast beef all-you-can-eat dinner set for 5 p.m., Feb. 3, at the Pub, 411 Mill St. Cost is $6.
A bowling fundraiser is also planned for noon, Feb. 16, at Cherry Hill Lanes in Clarkston.
For details on any fundraiser, call (248) 627-2333. To make a donation by mail, make checks payable to ‘The Heat Stays On,? and send to St. Anne Church, ATTN: Judy Henley, 825 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville, MI 48462.