The Kelsey Charity Run (KCR) [1] is an annual fundraising event that raises money for children fighting cancer. The run, which takes place every Father’s Day and is sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association [2], raises an average of $90,000 each year, and all proceeds go directly to families fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

For this year’s event, which took place on June 20, riders started off in Mansville, New Jersey, and completed the 60-mile race in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Project Porchlight was set up at the run’s end in Old Bridge to educate riders and their friends and families about the energy savings offered by compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs as well as the energy efficiency programs that are available through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) [3]. A total of 123 bulbs were distributed, part of Project Porchlight is an initiative of One Change [4], and the campaign is made possible thanks to funding by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [5] and NJCEP [6].

KCR President Jim Cookingham was pleased to include Project Porchlight in this year’s event. “Project Porchlight is an excellent opportunity to educate the public about energy-saving products, and it provides the residents of New Jersey with a hands-on example of a product that works,” says Jim. “Since a large portion of our electric energy supply is created by consuming fossil fuels, energy conservation contributes to reduced fossil fuel consumption and dependency.”

When it comes to protecting our environment, simple actions matter. Even something as simple as changing a light bulb is important. By connecting with state residents one at a time, Project Porchlight empowers people of all backgrounds to make smart choices that protect the environment. “The Kelsey Charity Run and Project Porchlight are similar in that we both are reaching out to the public and educating them about a cause that they ordinarily might not be exposed to,” says Jim. “Once the public is armed with new knowledge, new ideas emerge, monies are donated, and goals are accomplished.”