Tulsa Area United Way Raises More Than $25 Million To Address Community Needs
The Tulsa Area United Way reached the goal for its annual campaign, raising $25,493,060 for the community. The goal announced in September was $25,370,129 to work back towards pre-pandemic funding levels of the 59 partner nonprofits.
United Way announced the grand total at the UNITE celebration, held on Nov. 18, at the Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA.
“The community coming together to reach this goal represents the true power and beauty of living united. We wanted this campaign to be light for hope, a reminder for the community that better days are ahead when we unite for a common goal,” said Alison Anthony, President and CEO. “This amount will address real needs and goes a long way toward easing some of the greatest challenges in our area.”
“What’s remarkable is just two weeks ago we needed over $1.8 million to reach this goal. What a testament to the generosity of so many that we could rally and raise the needed amount,” said County Commissioner Karen Keith, co-chair of the Tulsa Area United Way campaign.
The campaign will fund Tulsa Area United Way’s 59 partner agencies in the areas of education, health/safety and financial stability, as well as several community collaborative projects and social innovation grants that address complex challenges, beginning on Jan. 1, 2022.
“We are blessed to live in a community that comes together so generously and with such a focus on helping one another,” said Tim Lyons, president and CEO of TTCU Federal Credit Union and 2021 campaign co-chair. “Tens of thousands of individuals, along with more than 900 companies and organizations showed their dedication to helping others through participation in this United Way campaign – all in the second year of a pandemic.”
Members of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, as well as other volunteers and contributors, gathered at the YMCA to learn about the success of this year’s campaign. The family-oriented event gave attendees an opportunity to explore the newly renovated facility and featured outdoor games, a hamburger cookout and s’mores.
The program introduced the volunteer campaign teams and revealed the goal was reached before cheering supporters.
In the last 97 years, the local United Way has invested $850 million in the community.
This year’s campaign will be celebrated, and high-performing company, business and organizational campaigns will receive recognition at the Tulsa Area United Way’s annual Live United Awards and Luncheon, on Tuesday, March, 8, 2022, at the Cox Business Convention Center.
