Ameren Donates $450,000 to Heat Up St. Louis Fundraiser

The utility company's support will help vulnerable families with winter heating assistance in Illinois and Missouri.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Ameren, the utility company, has donated a total of $450,000 to the 26th annual Hardee's Rise and Shine for Heat biscuit fundraiser organized by the non-profit Heat Up St. Louis. The funds will provide winter heating assistance to vulnerable families, including the elderly and people with disabilities, in the St. Clair and Madison counties and surrounding bi-state area.

Why it matters

Ameren's significant financial contribution to the Heat Up St. Louis fundraiser demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting its local communities and ensuring that vulnerable residents have access to essential heating assistance during the cold winter months.

The details

Ameren made a $200,000 contribution to Heat Up St. Louis at the fundraising event on February 13, in addition to a $250,000 contribution the company made in December 2025. Heat Up St. Louis is a non-profit organization that provides assistance with winter heating, summer cooling, and utility bills for the area's most vulnerable residents.

  • Ameren made a $250,000 contribution to Heat Up St. Louis in December 2025.
  • Ameren made a $200,000 contribution to Heat Up St. Louis at the fundraising event on February 13, 2026.

The players

Ameren

A utility company that provides electricity and natural gas services to customers in Illinois and Missouri.

Heat Up St. Louis

A non-profit organization that provides assistance with winter heating, summer cooling, and utility bills for the most vulnerable residents in the St. Clair and Madison counties and surrounding bi-state area.

Patrick Smith

The president of Ameren Illinois.

Gemma Flores-Olivas

An Ameren volunteer who received the donation from Patrick Smith.

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What they’re saying

“Heat Up St. Louis does important work connecting our neighbors who need help with energy assistance to keep them safe during the cold winter months.”

— Patrick Smith, President of Ameren Illinois

The takeaway

Ameren's substantial financial support for the Heat Up St. Louis fundraiser demonstrates the company's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves and ensuring that vulnerable residents have access to essential heating assistance during the winter months.