United Way of Central Oklahoma kicked off its 2022 annual campaign on Thursday, September 8, at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn at Scissortail Park and announced its fundraising goal of $17 million. Money raised will be invested into 101 health and human service programs at 53 Partner Agencies.

“Reaching our campaign goal this year will ensure that our Partner Agencies have the funds necessary to care for our central Oklahoma neighbors in need,” said Shane Wharton, 2022 Campaign Co-Chair. “It takes all of us to make our community stronger, and we’re determined to do our part through this year’s fundraising campaign.”

Pacesetter campaign results were also announced and, to date, $3.3 million has been raised, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the campaign goal. Pacesetters are companies that run their workplace campaigns early and set the momentum for others that will run their campaigns this fall.

Kick-off festivities included the second annual The Hole Shebang! fundraising cornhole tournament. More than 50 teams went head-to-head to raise nearly $30,000 for our campaign. Duncan Oil Properties, Inc., won the Boss Toss challenge for the second year in a row, and Chesapeake Energy took home the Cornhole Cup, coming in first place at the end of the tournament.

United Way of Central Oklahoma also announced the winners of its WayFinder Innovation Grant. The WayFinder Grant is United Way of Central Oklahoma’s program to fund bold, new and innovative ideas, which are designed to address community challenges in central Oklahoma.

Pivot, Inc. will receive $125,000 for Preserves by Pivot. Funding will provide first-time jobs for Pivot youth to learn important business skills by developing and marketing Pivot Preserves – an artisanal jam product that will be specially made at Pivot.

The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice will receive $32,000 for Youth Leadership Forum for Community Transformation. This three-day workshop will offer an opportunity for high school students from the Oklahoma City Metro area to discuss and learn how to process difficult topics, developing their awareness and skills to lead in a diverse society.

Calm Waters Center for Children and Families will receive $75,000 for Incarcerated Oklahomans Grief Support Group. Funding will establish support group curriculum for detainees at the Oklahoma County Jail to provide an opportunity for them to process their grief and care for their mental wellbeing.

“United Way of Central Oklahoma’s WayFinder Innovation Grant ensures that we continue to solve our community’s most pressing needs head-on and in new, innovative ways,” said Sherri Lance, United Way of Central Oklahoma Board Chair. “We are thrilled to have watched 10 WayFinder programs emerge, and we are excited to see Preserves by Pivot, Youth Leadership Forum for Community Transformation and Incarcerated Oklahomans Grief Support Group begin transforming lives in our community.”

With the inclusion of this year’s grant recipients, United Way of Central Oklahoma has committed $882,000 to 13 different programs as part of the WayFinder initiative. Previous recipients include City Care, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, The Homeless Alliance, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, NewView, ReMerge, Youth and Family Services, YWCA of Greater Oklahoma City and Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City.