A “can-do, positive attitude” was credited for the 10th successive goal-busting United Way of South Central Oklahoma campaign Tuesday.
Drive chair Bill Nichols praised “this particular United Way” for exceeding the 2008 goal of $750,000 despite the recent economic downturn that admittedly “made drive leaders very nervous.” Nichols praised the work of UWSCO volunteers and community leaders for “an extremely positive attitude” that, as of Tuesday, totalled $910,810 in donations and pledges.
United Way Executive Director tobi Erwin said Tuesday she didn’t expect to exceed this year’s goal due to the local economic situation.
“I was hopeful we would at least hit the goal of $750,000,” she said.
Because of the slowdown of the local economy, UWSCO officials agreed earlier this year to set the 2008 fund raising goal at $750,000, the same as last year, Erwin said. Now the organization is hoping to exceed last year’s total of $925,000, she said.
“I have a feeling we will exceed (last year) by the end of this year,” Erwin said.
The additional funds will be distributed among the United Way’s 28 member agencies, based on the percentage each agency’s original allocation made of the original $750,000 goal, Erwin said.
This marks the 10th successive year UWSCO has exceeded the goal within the 10-week campaign. This year’s effort also qualified for a $50,000 challenge grant from Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation -- a grant matching each dollar over goal up to $50,000. This boosted the return to $910,810 as workers turned attention to wrapping up the campaign by picking up collection packets and other contributions.
Erwin said an additional $100,333 is raised through grants from the McCrory, Frank Merrick, Community Foundation of Ardmore, Mullin Trust and Chickasaw Nation. Valero Refinery was again the top money, raising $309,390 in-house with a match from the company. Erwin said word was received shortly before Tuesday’s report meeting that Valero added another $50,000 to the kitty. Advance gifts had the biggest percentage increase with by doubling a $4,000 goal at $8,932.
Erwin said businesses with uncollected packets are encouraged to deliver them to the UWSCO office, 1232 Merrick Dr., or contact the office, (580) 223-1401.
