Conservation Improvement Program Administrator Dennis Peterson explains the benefits of energy-efficient lighting products to a customer at the ENERGY STAR® Lighting Extravaganza to benefit The Salvation Army’s HeatShare program.

Representatives of Minnesota Power and US Bank presented a check for $8,500 to the Salvation Army Thursday, the result of a “Save Energy, Share Warmth” fundraiser held in downtown Duluth in March 2006.

The money will help fund the Salvation Army’s HeatShare program, which assists low-income residents with their utility bills.

Minnesota Power Director of Customer Service Sue Thompson and Mike Qualio, US Bank Regional President, presented the check to Salvation Army Major Mark Welsh in Duluth’s City Hall as Mayor Herb Bergson looked on. “At a time when gasoline costs are soaring, many families have difficulty paying their bills and find themselves in need of energy assistance,” said Thompson. “We’re pleased to be able to help in this neat collaborative effort.”

The money earmarked for HeatShare was raised at an Energy Star lighting sale at the Holiday Center in downtown Duluth March 28. Minnesota Power and US Bank donated money for every qualifying product sold during the event, from outdoor lighting fixtures to table lamps and CFL bulbs. The total of 3,100 items sold at the sale represented a savings of 275,000 kilowatt-hours compared to more traditional lighting products. Thompson pointed out at the City Hall presentation Thursday that the products sold at the HeatShare fundraiser, in addition to raising $8,500 for a worthy cause, saved enough electricity to power 28 homes for a year. “Please continue to help HeatShare, so we can continue to help people in need,” Mayor Bergson said in thanking those who participated in the fundraising event.

Other sponsors of the “Save Energy, Share Warmth” project were the City of Duluth and its Comfort Systems utilities and Ace Hardware in downtown Duluth.