DTE Energy, THAW Partner To Help Detroiters Stay Warm

DETROIT (WWJ) - As bitter cold temperatures approach, DTE Energy and The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW) are partnering to present the Week of Warmth celebration in an effort to support the distribution of more than $1 million to help needy families in Michigan.

The Week of Warmth is a series of family focused events that combine fundraising, energy education, uplifting community gatherings and convenient access to assistance resources.

This year's even kick off Saturday at 9 a.m. at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. Susan Sherer, CEO of THAW, says this year will definitely be different from last year's event at Cobo Center.

"We thought that this year it would be a smarter to go where the people are, really meeting them where they are in the churches around the detroit area, so we're going to 18 different churches," Sherer told WWJ's Chrystal Knight.

Week of Warmth events include:

Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Day
Saving energy, saves money. More than 125 homes in a target community will benefit from energy education and the installation of energy-saving measures like CFL bulbs, weatherization products and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 27

Night of Warm Hearts
Your warm heart can warm a home. Our annual fundraising gala features an elegant strolling dinner by Andiamo, a live auction and a line-up of exciting entertainment.
Where: The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit
When: Friday, Nov.9
Time: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $175 per person Purchase Tickets Here

Hallelujah for Heat
More than 3,000 guests will come together to celebrate the spirit of giving at this gospel concert.
Where: Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre Rd., Detroit
When: Saturday, November 10, 2012
Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Customer Assistance Day
Funds raised during the Week of Warmth will be distributed to those in need during our Customer Assistance Day which will be held at area churches.
When: Monday, November 13, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read more about THAW, here.