United Way of Central Oklahoma kicks off its annual campaign

Every year, the United Way of Central Oklahoma holds an annual campaign to garner support and help fund some of the most impactful organizations in our state. The OKC Chamber has had a fond relationship with the United Way of Central Oklahoma since its inception. 99 years ago, the Chamber’s civic committee established the “Community Chest Fund” to raise money for the charitable organizations in Oklahoma City. The “Community Chest” eventually became a stand-alone organization known as United Way of Central Oklahoma  and has been a proud advocate for its efforts over the years.

The 2021 fundraising campaign kicked off a few weeks ago with The Hole Shebang!, a community-wide fundraising event in Scissortail Park. The event was just a start to this year’s fundraising campaign efforts, which will invest donations into over 100 health and human service programs throughout the metro.

Last year, the campaign was led by co-chairs Judy Love and Mike Turpen and raised a grand total of $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.

Debby Hampton, CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma said “We are committed to transparency and accountability with all donations, and we have a proven 8-step process to ensure allocable dollars are distributed appropriately and optimally. As a donor, you can rest assured knowing your gift is going to support 102 programs at 55 nonprofit organizations. There isn’t a population in our community that your gift won’t impact.”

This year’s campaign co-chairs are local philanthropists and business leaders David and Aimee Harlow. “It's truly an honor for David and me to co-chair this year's United Way campaign,” said Aimee. “We’re passionate about supporting United Way because of its ability to directly address health and human service challenges in our community. The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for every person in central Oklahoma and it's our duty to help our neighbors in need.”  

“Life is a gift” is the theme of this year’s United Way of Central Oklahoma campaign. Hampton said, “[it’s] a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back. Every single person in our community has a story, and through each fundraising campaign, we have the power to change their lives for the better.”

Workplace campaigns make up a significant portion of the total dollars raised each year. The OKC Chamber is one of several workplaces that serves as a pacesetter for the annual fundraiser.

“United Way of Central Oklahoma has made a meaningful impact in our community over the past century,” said Greater OKC Chamber CEO, Roy Williams.  “I am proud to support their efforts and fully believe in the value of their mission, which is why we choose to hold a workplace campaign each year. Their success is well aligned with our own.”

Multiple other Chamber Members invest in the Oklahoma City community through workplace campaigns, including OG&E. “We believe that OG&E is only as strong as the communities that we serve,” said OG&E Vice President Corporate Communications, Christi Woodworth. “United Way provides a simple and easy way for our employees to give back to the communities where they live, work and play…We match 50% of every contribution given by our employees and we are proud to support their generosity and make a difference.”

Similar to the Chamber’s long-lasting involvement with United Way, Woodworth found that the OG&E President was a Vice Chair for the campaign in 1923, demonstrating their committed involvement over the years.

“We are thankful and grateful for our generous employees who not only financially give to United Way, they volunteer their time for Days of Caring, food drives and other important United Way and partner agency programs,” said Woodworth. “Each employee has two days each year to volunteer in the community on company time. Additionally, many of our employees serve as leadership volunteers for United Way and partner agencies.”

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If your business is interested in organizing a workplace campaign, call or email the United Way of Central Oklahoma office to get connected to a staff liaison. Workplace campaigns are great for fun, company morale, and one of the best ways to thoughtfully give back to the OKC community.

Partner agencies like ReMerge of Oklahoma County depend on the dollars raised by United Way to sustain their mission. "The United Way of Central Oklahoma works as a convener to serve the most vulnerable in our community. In fact, that is how ReMerge was born,” said Jenna Morey, Executive Director of ReMerge. “We have served over 149 moms and impacted the lives of 372 children through intensive work of transformation. We are grateful that the United Way recognized the need in our community, helped create a solution, and has continued to be a champion of the work we do to change the futures of the families we serve for the better."

President and CEO of Neighborhood Services Organization Stacey Ninness said, “The campaign is so important to NSO; 11 percent of our total budget comes from United Way. The United Way funds support four programs: Martha’s House, Gatewood, Carolyn Williams Center, and Palo Duro I. All of these programs are essential to our community as they provide up to 82 beds each night to our most vulnerable neighbors. The United Way’s support makes a difference every day to our organization, as we could not provide our housing programs without the generosity of our community.”

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“There is nothing quite like seeing the impact of our Partner Agencies’ tireless work in our community,” said Hampton. “Thanks to the generous support of thousands of donors each year, hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans in need are connected to life-saving help – and hope. Together, we are creating a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community.”

“A gift to United Way makes a significant impact on the lives of central Oklahomans by providing assistance such as housing support, food access, financial support and medical care. We all have the opportunity to join together and strengthen our community through contributing to the United Way campaign,” said Aimee Harlow.

The 2021 campaign will end on December 31 and an announcement of the total dollars raised will happen early next year.

About United Way of Central Oklahoma:

United Way of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1923 as the “Community Chest,” running an annual campaign for social services needs known as The Community Fund campaign. Through the years, the names of the campaign and organization have changed to keep its mission relevant to central Oklahoma by convening resources, incubating new programs and initiatives and funding 55 United Way Partner Agencies.

United Way of Central Oklahoma values health, education, financial stability and quality of life. We believe these core elements are critical to our success as individuals, as families and as a community.