More than $14,000 was raised for Franklin County’s heat assistance program at the program’s annual fundraiser.

Heat Dance, a Hollywood style evening dance, is the primary fundraiser for ECU Heat, a collection of local churches and social work organizations that administers the aid program.

Organizers estimate that 250 people attended the Heat Dance at the University of Maine in Farmington. State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, hosted the evening and read a letter of praise from Gov. Paul LePage.

“Another major success in our efforts to keep families and individuals warm,” said the Rev. Susan Crane, who runs ECU Heat, in a press release. “Heat Dance just gets better and better, thanks to the individuals and local organizations committed to it.”

The dance raised $21,000 and $16,000 at the previous two dances, respectively.

In the winter of 2013-14, the ECU Heat Fund provided 50-gallon fuel deliveries to 353 households throughout Franklin County. The heating season stretches from November through March. So far this heating season, ECU Heat again has served 353 households with several more weeks left in the heating season.

Recipients of the one-time 50-gallon fuel delivery pay $50 in matching money for the service.

The ministry provided $57,541 worth of fuel assistance this winter, with $1,750 of the cost being paid by the recipients and $39,991 being paid by the ECU Heat Fund.