CRANFORD, N.J. — The National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) announced it has raised more than $20,000 for its nonprofit charity, Oil Heat Cares, during its spring Care to Ride event, held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The Care to Ride took place during the annual Eastern Energy Expo. For this annual spring event, there were four divisions for the fundraiser: motorcycles, bicycles, runners, and walkers.

All proceeds raised by participants and sponsors were donated to Oil Heat Cares, a 501(c)(3) foundation of OESP, which receives funds throughout the year from seminars, donations, rides, and other events.

“We are very proud of our members and their families who, without the generous help of sponsors, raised more than $20,000,” OESP President Ralph Adams said.  “We are grateful to those who spent a wonderful day riding and running in Pennsylvania with us, raising money for this very important cause.”

Oil Heat Cares assists needy persons and organizations with the replacement of their oil heating appliances. OESP chapters identify people in the northeast who need a temporary helping hand, ensuring they have safe, quality heating equipment at no cost.

“We appreciate the many OESP members who donate their time and talent by identifying a project for a customer or neighbor in need,” Adams said. “There’s so many of our members who generously donate equipment or supplies, or participate in our fundraisers, such as Care to Ride.”

“Whether it is an equipment supplier, an owner, or a service technician, they are all teaming up to benefit others in need,” said Oil Heat Cares Chair David Bessette. “It is great to see local competitors team up to accomplish a common goal or to see a group of current employees spending time during the weekend to help out an oil heat customer going through a tough time.”

Bessette noted Oil Heat Cares has turned into a superb educational tool. Students have worked side-by-side with industry professionals, learning valuable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, gaining the satisfaction of giving back to their communities.

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