United Way of Central Oklahoma on Thursday hosted a Recognition Reception to thank companies who have completed their workplace giving campaign, announce campaign results to date and present awards to workplace campaign coordinators.

United Way Board Member and Secretary/Treasurer Shane Wharton and Debby Hampton, United Way of Central Oklahoma CEO and president, emceed the event, presenting awards and announcing the grand total raised to date: $14,409,736. Final campaign results will be announced at the Snowflake Gala on Jan. 27, 2017.

“We’re off to a great start, but we still have a long way to go,” said Hampton. “With the economic challenges and government budget cuts, our community needs the United Way and its Partner Agencies now more than ever. Oklahomans always step up in times of need, and the need is great now. Please consider making a donation to the United Way if you have not already done so.”

During the reception, several campaign coordinators and keyworkers were recognized for their exceptional efforts during their organization’s workplace campaigns. Those recognized include:

• Devonne Davis, Benham
• Morgan Curry, Foundation Medical Staffing
• Anna Eldredge, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System
• Carrie McBride, City of Oklahoma City, Development Services
• Tresia Miller, Federal Aviation Administration-AMA
• Teka McGill, Oklahoma One-Call System was named the Rookie of the Year

Eighteen Loaned Executives were honored for their service at the Recognition Reception. This group of individuals spent 12 weeks working on the campaign.

“Loaned Executives play a critical role in our annual campaign,” said Hampton. “This year’s group was phenomenal and they accomplished so much. They brought additional expertise and energy that enabled us to expand our solicitation efforts and broaden the base of support for the United Way of Central Oklahoma and community giving. We are so thankful to the companies that loaned us employees and those that sponsored this year’s Loaned Executives.”

This year’s Loaned Executives from local organizations include:

Tiffany Booth, City of Oklahoma City

Becky Franklin, Arvest Bank

Jesse Mathews, INTEGRIS Health

Zekariah McNeal, OGE Energy Corp.

Lynda Mobley, Oklahoma Natural Gas, A Division of ONE Gas

Loaned Executives from the Federal Government include:

Tom Burton, Federal Aviation Administration

Jamie Lambert, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant

Mina McDaniel, United States Postal Service

Jonathon Villa, Tinker Air Force Base

David Walton, Tinker Air Force Base

Laura White, Federal Aviation Administration

Loaned Executives hired by United Way and sponsored by local companies include:

Devin Doty, sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma

Aaron Franklin, sponsored by American Fidelity

Brennick Gaudet, sponsored by Devon Energy Corporation

Laurie Graham, sponsored by Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

Austin Lawhorn, sponsored by Arvest Bank

Ann Stout, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

Garrett Voss, sponsored by SONIC, America’s Drive-in

For more information on the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s annual campaign for the community or to make a contribution online, visit www.unitedwayokc.org.

About United Way of Central Oklahoma

United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. The organization received the 2016 Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence from the Center for Nonprofits as the state’s top nonprofit organization. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.