Mount Horeb’s participation in the Save to Give Challenge this year raised almost $10,000 for three area nonprofits. Two Wisconsin communities, Mount Horeb and New Richmond took part in the Save to Give Challenge, an energy conservation challenge sponsored by FOCUS ON ENERGY^®. Mount Horeb residents tracked their energy-saving actions at home during March, June, and October earning donations for Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), Optimist Club of Mount Horeb, and Mount Horeb Area Historical Society.

During this challenge, the residents of Mount Horeb raised $9,872.

"We have enjoyed partnering with FOCUS ON ENERGY to host the Save to Give Challenge in Mount Horeb," said Nic Owen, Village of Mount Horeb Administrator. "Giving our residents a way to raise funds for local charities by taking actions that also lower their energy consumption was a win-win and a success."

Save to Give’s Impact:

• 183 Mount Horeb residents joined the Save to Give Challenge.
• Each participant raised an average of $65.
• 140 participants (77%) recorded energy-saving actions.
• The Save to Give Challenge was present at 36 community events.
• The post-challenge survey showed an 80% satisfaction rate among participants.
• 54% of participants reported taking more energy-saving actions than before the Save to Give Challenge.

Mount Horeb Area Historical Society: "The 2022 Save to Give Challenge tested our Mount Horeb neighbors, and they showed up for their community AND the future of our planet,” said Executive Director Destinee Udelhoven. “MHAHS is humbled by this local commitment and grateful for the funds generated, which will help us offer free cozy-at-home virtual programs during the winter months ahead."

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Optimist Club of Mount Horeb: “We are grateful to have participated in the Save to Give Challenge,” said Curt Garrity, President of the Optimist Club. “I am proud to say that the Optimist Club of Mount Horeb earned just over $2,000 from the challenge! This money has already helped us do more for the kids in Mount Horeb by helping us to add a 5th $500 scholarship for high school seniors and donate to the Middle School Science Olympiad Activity Club, DECA, and the Middle School and High School bands and sports programs. We love supporting the kids. A special THANK YOU to Focus on Energy, the Chamber, Mount Horeb Utilities, and everyone who participated!”

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Neighbors Helping Neighbors was an impactful partner in the Save to Give Challenge, thanks to all the work and outreach done by volunteers and Director, Janna Hanson. The mission to feed the hungry and provide important services to those in need in Mount Horeb motivated many participants to support Neighbors Helping Neighbors by joining Save to Give.

How YOU Can Save

The saving does not have to stop just because the challenge is over, and YOU can challenge yourself at home! Order a free energy-saving pack from Focus on Energy.

• Replace all lights with LED bulbs.
• Enable power saving mode for computers and TVs.
• Keep the refrigerator between 37–40 degrees.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not using them.
• Use power strips and unplug them when they are not in use.
• Use cold water for laundry.
• Shorten your showers to five minutes a day.
• Summer only: use fans instead of AC.
• Summer only: open windows at night to let in cool air.
• Summer only: adjust thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
• Winter only: program thermostat to turn down while sleeping or away.