United Way Campaign Raises over $21.5 Million

Central Oklahomans have once again proven their dedication to improving our community by giving generously to United Way of Central Oklahoma. During the 13th Annual Snowflake Gala on Friday evening, 2014 Campaign Chair Carl Edwards announced the fundraising total of $21,574,097.

As part of the central Oklahoma campaign, United Way of Central Oklahoma also administers three federated campaigns and two United Way campaigns that contribute to the fundraising total. The Combined Federal Campaign raised $2,516,055; the State Charitable Campaign raised $516,031; the Heart of the City Campaign raised $581,282; and the United Way of Canadian County and United Way of Logan County together raised $374,444.

Dollars raised through the United Way of Central Oklahoma campaign help support 128 health and human services programs administered by a network of 61 local nonprofit Partner Agencies, meeting the needs of thousands of central Oklahomans each year. Further, all funded programs are reviewed annually by donor volunteers to ensure contributions are properly invested with the highest level of accountability.

“Year after year, thousands of generous donors have provided the means for Partner Agencies to respond to the needs of our community through their financial support of the central Oklahoma fundraising campaign,” Carl Edwards states. “Now individual contributions to the United Way of Central Oklahoma campaign will allow over a hundred programs to impact the lives of many of our friends, neighbors and family members.”

The Snowflake Gala was the setting for United Way Board Chairman David Thompson of InvesTrust and Asset Services Company to serve as the master of ceremonies for both a Volunteer Reception and the Snowflake Gala and the featured entertainment was provided by the Edmond North Orchestra String Quartet. The evening program began with an overview of the year followed by the announcement of the volunteer award winners and the introduction of Larry Nichols of Devon Energy as the incoming 2015-2016 Chairman of the Board.

Recognized for their dedication and service to the organization and community, three outstanding volunteers were presented with United Way of Central Oklahoma’s most prestigious awards. Pete Delaney of OGE Energy Corp. received the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award while Robert J. Ross of Inasmuch Foundation and Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation was honored with the John Rex Community Builder Award. Hillary Farrell of Ackerman McQueen also was presented with the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award.

“We are grateful to the thousands of donors who continue to support United Way, the Combined Federal Campaign, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign. Our most vulnerable citizens depend upon them every day to receive the social services administered by United Way’s Partner Agencies,” states United Way of Central Oklahoma’s President and CEO Debby Hampton. “We also congratulate our three honorees for their outstanding volunteerism and appreciate the work they do to make central Oklahoma a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community.”