United Way of Central Oklahoma kicked off the United Way Pacesetter Campaign with its annual Pacesetter Games on Thursday, June 25 on the lawn at American Fidelity. Pacesetters are businesses and organizations that run early United Way campaigns between June and September, setting the tone for more than 1,500 workplace campaigns that will take place in the fall. Funds raised through workplace giving help fund local programs that are addressing our community’s most critical needs.

Emceed by the 2015 United Way Pacesetter Chair David Rainboltwith BancFirst, the space-themed event was a competitive and enthusiastic kickoff with 27 corporate teams and United Way Partner Agencies participating in group games including terrestrial t-shirt relay, moon walk relay race, and canoe races. The 2015 United Way Campaign Co-Chair Mike Turpen with Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis welcomed everyone and participated as the t-shirt design contest judge. Hotdogs and beverages were provided by INTEGRIS Health.

The Catholic Charities team was named as Pacesetter Games champions, with The Salvation Army coming in second place and Heartline Inc. and YWCA tying for third. The Spirit Award was given to VI Marketing and Branding for the second year in a row. Trophies were also given to winners of the team t-shirt design contest, with Neighborhood Services Organizations (NSO) given the award in the “homemade” category and Catholic Charities taking home the title in the “professionally designed” category.

“These Pacesetter companies are known for their generosity and community spirit, and they inspire others to follow their lead when it’s time for the annual campaign” said Debby Hampton, President and CEO, United Way of Central Oklahoma. “This event serves as a fun and lighthearted opportunity for us to share our excitement about the upcoming campaign.”

Last year, Pacesetter companies contributed $5,754,788– about 27% of all United Way dollars in 2014.