The United Way of South Central Oklahoma kicked off its 2024-2025 fundraising campaign on Tuesday morning at the HFV Wilson Community Center. The goal for this year is $1.1 million.
The money raised during this campaign will be used to help fund multiple nonprofit organizations in Southern Oklahoma. UWSCO has 29 partner agencies spread across a five-county area that includes Carter, Johnston, Love, Marshall and Murray Counties. These organizations are responsible for 45 programs that have served over 60,000 people in the area.
UWSCO Executive Director Bryce Chitwood spoke at the beginning of the event.
“We are here for one main reason, to kick off our campaign to raise $1.1 million, the largest goal the United Way of South Central Oklahoma has ever set,” he said. “From the day that you are born until your final moment on earth, the United Way of South Central Oklahoma funds an agency that meets you right where you are. That’s why this event and raising this money is so important.”
Chitwood introduced this year’s Fundraiser Drive Chair, Rev. David Daniel, the pastor of First Methodist Church in Ardmore. Daniel said he is confident the campaign will end up surpassing its $1.1 million goal.
“That means more people will be affected in an incredible way,” he said. “That’s our heart and that’s our desire.”
During the kick off, the Valero Ardmore Refinery received special recognition as the campaign’s Premier Sponsor.
“The Valero Ardmore Refinery has been a special partner with United Way for many years,” Daniel said. “Their contributions over the years have added up to over $8 million. The Valero BBQ Showdown is a remarkable event, and this year’s event saw record attendance and a record amount raised, more than $450,000.”
The event concluded with the announcement that $621,843 has already been raised so far in this year’s campaign.
The campaign will run through early December, and there are multiple ways you can donate. Over the coming months, all UWSCO partner agencies will be hosting fundraisers to contribute to the overall goal. You can also text “24campaign” to 41444 to make a donation from your phone, send a check to the UWSCO office at 10 W. Main St. Suite 418 in Ardmore, or stop by the office in person to make your donation.
