SCARBOROUGH —The 11th Annual Fuel Rally to support Scarborough residents with heating assistance exceeded the $20,000 goal and raised more than $25,000 (with gifts and pledges still coming in).

“Wow! Such a caring, generous community pitching on to keep our promise we won’t leave anyone in the cold,” said Steffi Cox, Project GRACE executive director. Project GRACE put on the fuel rally. Town of Scarborough and Scarborough Public Safety were co-hosts.

Over 60 volunteers from host and participating organizations helped out on Feb. 11, the day of the rally. In addition, dozens of residents of Bessey Commons and Piper Shores, Lions, and Project GRACE lent a hand before the event.

Leadership Sponsors included: Woodin & Company, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, KCV Trailer Rentals, Shutterbugs 4 Charity, and West Scarborough United Methodist Church.

Participating Organizations included: Friends of the Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough Lions Club, Scarborough Kiwanis, Scarborough Rotary and Interact Clubs, Scarborough Historical Society, Volunteers In Police Service, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, and musicians Hadacol Bouncers.

Over the last 10 years, the fuel rallies have raised more than $152,000 — about 70% of the funds Project GRACE needs to provide fuel, according to a press release by the organization. In an average heating season — October  through  April — the nonprofit provides 70 ‘helps’ to seniors on tight fixed incomes and families having a tough time making ends meet. $20,000 at todays prices is about 4,500 gallons of oil, k1 or propane.