Mount Horeb residents made “Sparkson” the Energy Troll proud this March by raising $3,882 in the FOCUS ON ENERGY® “Save to Give Challenge.”

By the end of the month, 103 households were taking easy actions to save energy at home and raising money for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Mount Horeb Area Historical Society, and the Optimist Club of Mount Horeb. The “Save to Give Challenge,” is a partnership between Focus on Energy, Mount Horeb Utilities, and the Village of Mount Horeb to share free- and low-cost ways for residents to save on energy and raise money for local organizations.

Participating residents each raised an average of $37 over the month for their favorite nonprofit. The total donations from March will be split proportionally among the three nonprofits based how much energy residents saved on their behalf. By taking easy energy-saving actions, participants made a HUGE impact for these nonprofits:

Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN): “We are thrilled that our friends in the community capitalized on this opportunity to help fuel Neighbors Helping Neighbors' mission by cutting their energy usage," NHN President Steve Fangmeier said. "We will use this money to help area residents who are struggling to keep up with their utility bills, so it's a win-win for everyone involved."

Optimist Club of Mount Horeb: “We are thankful to be participating this year,” said Club President Curt Garrity. “The funds we earned from the March campaign will help us bolster our upcoming events: Mount Horeb’s Got Talent show in May and Cops & Bobbers in June at Stewart Lake.”

Mount Horeb Area Historical Society: “Our always-supportive community stepped up yet again--and their energy-saving efforts will do immediate good!” said Executive Director Destinee Udelhoven. “The ‘Save to Give’ funds they raised throughout March will be used to bring the popular Native Art Marketplace back to downtown Mount Horeb this spring. We cannot wait to see what the June campaign brings!”

Miss out on the March donation campaign? It is not too late to support your favorite nonprofit in the “Save to Give Challenge!” Enrollment is still open online at myaccount.mounthorebutilities.com. In June and October, continuing and new participants alike can record how they are saving energy to raise even more donations. Things like turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat this summer, and unplugging unused electronics are all ways you can save energy and raise money. Up to $25,000 can be raised for the three nonprofits this year – but it will take a lot more residents to get us there. This challenge is a great opportunity for Mount Horeb residents to come together and support community organizations, as well as take steps to reduce their energy bills and live more energy-efficient lives.