Tulsa Area United Way a $20.8 Million Success
Tulsa Area United Way a $20.8 Million Success
SHOOTIN’ CELEBRATION: Tulsa Area United Way Campaign Chairman Terry Carter fires blanks from his 6-gun in celebration over the successful result. The photo was taken during the United Way’s western-theme report dinner and party at Expo Square November 11.
GTR Newspapers photo
The Tulsa Area United Way celebrated the official end of its 2004 campaign November 11 with an announcement projecting that it will meet and perhaps slightly surpass the campaign’s goal by raising $20.8 million.
“The leadership team of the campaign is projecting $20,802,888 for the final number,” said Terry Carter, 2004 Campaign Chair and Sr. Vice President and CFO of QuikTrip, Corp. “We still have many companies running campaigns, plus there are companies and individuals who have just today asked to be included. Based on that commitment and enthusiasm, the Campaign Cabinet and I believe this $20.8 million is a good number.”
Carter said this was a challenging campaign given the economy and all that a recovering economy brings.
“Even as we speak, we have companies still running campaigns,” said Carter. “The enthusiasm of companies and the public has been overwhelming. This is truly a community-wide effort. Each and every donation has made a difference.”
“To achieve this success in such challenging times is truly heroic, and a real tribute to the people in our community,” commented Kathleen J. Coan, president and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. “The real winners tonight are our 68 member agencies who are struggling to provide needed services in a time of decreased funding from all sources.”
Along with Carter, Coan stressed that the number announced includes projections on campaigns that are still in progress, and that pledges will continue to be taken through the end of the year. People can still support the United Way financially by calling 583-7171, or by pledging online at www.tauw.org.
“This campaign reflects the confidence that people have in the United Way to meet the health and human service needs of our community,” Coan said. “Every individual and every company that has been a part of this journey can take pride in the positive difference they are making in many peoples lives.”
The campaign announcement was made at the annual final report program held at the Exchange Center at Expo Square. Along with the campaign report announcements, those attending enjoyed a dinner show featuring entertainers donating their talents for the enjoyment of the United Way volunteers. These included world-renowned pianist Larry Dalton, fiddler Jeff Smith, and vocalists Ronnie Furr, Bradd Gillespie, Chuck King, Lisa Stefanic, and Dr. G. Barry Epperley. All were accompanied by the Tulsa Community College Signature Big Band directed by Epperley.
Founded in 1924, the Tulsa Area United Way is the largest non-government funder of health and human services in the Tulsa area. The upcoming campaign will allow the Tulsa Area United Way to fund local programs offered by its 68 member agencies. The Tulsa Area United Way receives support and provides help in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties
Updated 11-23-2004
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