A Gathering Place Attracts Millions More in Pledges
George Kaiser Family Foundation has announced commitments from 19 additional donors for A Gathering Place for Tulsa totaling over $14 million in contributions. The group of donors includes a blend of Tulsa companies, foundations, families and individuals, further showcasing the support of the entire community around this transformational park. The total contributions to A Gathering Place for Tulsa are now nearing $150 million.
These generous contributions will help fund the development and construction of A Gathering Place and seed the lifetime operating endowment.
“We are eternally grateful for the many investments made to A Gathering Place by Tulsa’s generous families, foundations and corporations,” says Jeff Stava, executive director and trustee of A Gathering Place for Tulsa. “It is remarkable to see the support that has been extended and how willing Tulsans are to work together to further enhance our community for generations to come.”
A Gathering Place for Tulsa will include experiences for all ages. From the five-acre Adventure Playground to Mist Mountain, sport courts, bike and skate parks, natural trails, and large lawns for concerts, there are activities for the entire family to enjoy. Additional features will include the Williams Companies Lodge, QuikTrip Great Lawn, ONEOK Boathouse, and the Chapman Foundation’s Adventure Playground, which are great for recreational and social gatherings.
Newly announced donors include:
Mervin Bovaird Foundation: $2 million; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma: $1 million; The Fulton and Susie Collins Foundation: $1 million; Mike and Pat Case: $1 million; Dekraai Family Foundation: $1 million; D&L Oil Tools: $1 million; Hale Family Foundation: $1 million; Meinig Family Foundation: $1 million; Melton Truck Lines: $1 million; Legacy Fund/Scott and Vanessa Thompson: $1 million; The John T. and Julie Nickel Family: $1 million; The Judith & Jean Pape Adams Charitable Foundation: $1 million; Meshri Family: $500,000; James M. Cox Foundation: $250,000; Mabrey Bancorporation, Inc.: $250,000; Moran Family Foundation: $250,000; Kathy and Ed Leinbach: $50,000; Samson Resources: $50,000; Darden Family Charitable Foundation: $25,000.
The George Kaiser Family Foundation has contributed $200 million toward the project ($50 million in land plus $150 million for construction of Phase I of the park). Partnering with the community, the project has raised nearly $150 million in private donations bringing the total cost of the project to $350 million. Construction for the largest park project in Oklahoma’s history is expected to be complete in late 2017.
Project information and the latest updates can be found by visiting www.agatheringplacefortulsa.com.
Additional donor quotes of support:
“A Gathering Place for Tulsa is going to be a transformational park for Tulsa. Our family looks forward to enjoying this great Tulsa amenity for years to come.”
– The John T. and Julie Nickel Family
“Melton Truck Lines is pleased to contribute to the building of The Gathering Place. As a long-time Tulsa employer, we are proud to support such an extraordinary project that will benefit our community for years to come.”
– Bob Peterson, Melton Truck Lines
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is proud to be a part of A Gathering Place for Tulsa. Providing unique experiences like this in our community help attract new businesses and families, and in turn, enhance Tulsa’s economic vitality. We look forward to the completion of the project and offering a world-class outdoor space as a new opportunity for Tulsa families to live a healthier lifestyle.”
– Ted Haynes, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
About A Gathering Place for Tulsa
A project of George Kaiser Family Foundation, A Gathering Place for Tulsa will transform nearly 100 acres of Tulsa’s waterfront along the Arkansas River into a dynamic and active space when the project is completed. 66.5 acres will be completed within Phase I by late 2017. and numerous corporate and community philanthropists gave ownership of the $350 million park to River Parks Authority who in turn signed a long-term operational and management lease back to an entity of the foundation to ensure the highest quality operation, maintenance and programming for the life of the park.
A Gathering Place for Tulsa is doing business as Tulsa’s Gathering Place, . To learn more about the project, visit www.agatheringplacefortulsa.com.
Updated 04-26-2016
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