MOST Amazing Race: Hooray for milestone year, sponsor
The Salvation Army’s 10th annual MOST Amazing Race kicks off exactly five months from today on Saturday, July 25.
Just as thrilling, CenterPoint Energy has agreed to take the reins as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year.
“We’re excited to once again be sponsoring this year’s MOST Amazing Race in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the race,” said Joe Vortherms, vice president of Gas Operations for CenterPoint Energy. “CenterPoint Energy employees have a long history of partnering with The Salvation Army and are proud that through our sponsorship and volunteer efforts we can make a difference in support of The Salvation Army’s hunger and housing programs.”
CenterPoint Energy has been a valued race partner for three years. In 2013, its engineers created an elaborate race challenge in which teams built a “gas” pipeline (pictured, right) to reinforce CenterPoint’s message of always dialing 811 before you dig.
The company devised an equally impressive challenge last year, with racers dressing up as CenterPoint Energy mascot Buddy Blue Flame and decorating its counterpart, Wanda Water Heater (pictured, top).
Outside of the race, CenterPoint Energy remains a stout supporter of The Salvation Army’s HeatShare program, which provides energy assistance to thousands of Minnesota families in danger of going without heat.
“We are elated that CenterPoint Energy has agreed to support the 2015 race as we celebrate the event’s 10-year milestone,” said Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities Salvation Army commander. “The efforts of CenterPoint Energy and its employees are a blessing to the people and families The Salvation Army serves.”
About the race
The MOST Amazing Race is similar to the popular TV reality show, with 30 teams of two completing mental and physical challenges at popular locations throughout Minneapolis. Registration for the 2015 race begins on May 1.
The winner takes home $5,000, with additional prizes given to second- through fifth-place finishers. Last year’s second-place team – along with the top fundraising team – won two queen-size beds, valued at $4,000, courtesy of Mattress Firm. (View race photos.)
A qualifying event is held the morning of the race at the University of Minnesota (pictured). The top 20 teams advance to the main event; the top 10 fundraising teams skip the qualifier.
Since 2006, hundreds of race participants have raised a total of nearly $550,000 for Salvation Army food and housing programs in the Twin Cities.
“We invite the public to join us at this fun event – one that aims to bring participants and spectators together to learn about the important work we are accomplishing through The Salvation Army and CenterPoint Energy’s commitment to safety, the environment and the communities we serve,” Vortherms said.
Learn more about the MOST Amazing Race.
Video: 2014 Race Recap