Chesapeake Energy Corp. and Employees Give Largest Single-Year Donation
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United Way of Central Oklahoma will announce a history-making contribution as Chesapeake Energy Corporation becomes the first company to ever give $1 million to the annual fundraising campaign in a single year. The employees of Chesapeake Energy will be recognized for their generosity at a press conference at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30, at the Fitness Center at Chesapeake, 6100 N. Western Avenue.
Much of United Way’s annual fundraising is a result of employee donations from the workplace. Chesapeake’s contribution is the largest company gift ever made in a single year. Employees’ donations are matched 25% by an officer of the company and also 100% by the corporation.
“Our employees know how to rise to the challenge of providing help for those in need,” said Martha Burger, Chesapeake’s Senior VP of Human Resources. “Led by our Campaign Coordinator, Lorrie Jacobs, we had an amazing company-wide effort during 2005 which included generous individual pledges, the spring Duck Derby, bake sales, chili cook offs, silent auctions, and a Halloween costume contest. We are delighted to be able to assist United Way in their efforts to provide assistance to central Oklahomans who need it the most.”
Chesapeake Energy is also leading the way in individual gifts to United Way of Central Oklahoma. Six Chesapeake Energy employees have become members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, which is comprised of individuals contributing $10,000 or more each to United Way, this year. No other corporation in central Oklahoma has had that number of Alexis de Tocqueville Society givers.
“The energy industry is a leader in Oklahoma,” said United Way President Bob Spinks. “In fact, Oklahoma oil and gas producers have a wonderful legacy of philanthropy in our state. I am pleased to honor Chesapeake for its energetic vision and salute them for their outstanding support.”
United Way of Central Oklahoma has a goal of $15 million for the 2005 campaign. Campaign donations support the work of 55 partner agencies that serve 350,000 central Oklahomans each year. A final report on the campaign results will be made on Friday, January 20, at the fourth annual Snowflake Gala.
