United Way of Central Oklahoma will honor three community leaders who model exceptional integrity, dedication, generosity and passion with the organization’s most prestigious volunteer awards at the United Way Gala on Friday, June 11, at Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

Brad Sheriff, Vice President of Information Technology for Ascent Resources, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. This honor recognizes those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to the United Way mission and set the standard for volunteering, leadership and caring. Sherriff has been involved with United Way since 2010, helping assess and improve the organization’s technology needs while recruiting other industry leaders for United Way to lean on for advice and support.

Another honoree at the gala is Kelly Dyer Fry, a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame who recently retired after a 26-year career with The Oklahoman. Fry will receive the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rex’s vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. The first woman editor and publisher in The Oklahoman’s history, Fry has utilized her influence in the community and media to advocate for issues such as mental health, addiction, homelessness and justice reform.

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Turpen is the recipient of the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have a lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership and philanthropy not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. Turpen is a long-time supporter of United Way of Central Oklahoma and has co-chaired the organization’s fundraising campaigns in 2015 and 2020, raising a total of $42.3 million. He has received dozens of awards, honors and appointments, including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010.

“We are thrilled to honor and celebrate these three inspiring leaders,” said Sherri Lance, board chair of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “We are so grateful for the commitment these volunteers have shown to strengthening our community through their contributions to United Way, our Partner Agencies and Oklahoma.”

The United Way Gala will also celebrate the success of its 2020 fundraising campaign, raising $20,428,686 in contributions from more than 19,000 generous donors and 700 workplace campaigns to support health and human service programs throughout central Oklahoma. During the event, award winners, volunteers and Partner Agencies will be recognized for their tremendous efforts during 2020, followed by the kick-off to the 2021 annual campaign.