There is more to celebrate this holiday season as United Way of Payne County announces it has exceed its annual fundraising goal of $950,000.
“This year’s campaign will help more lives than ever before,” Ruth Cavins, United Way of Payne County executive director, said. “A big thank you to everyone who made a donation or ran a campaign at their business or workplace. We also are thankful for our amazing board members and their tireless efforts to support the campaign.”
A combination of individual gifts, community fundraisers and corporate donations helped United Way reach its goal. During four months of fundraising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Medical Center, Payne County Bank, Simmons Bank and BancFirst together raised half of the campaign goal.
Watch the 2022 Campaign Highlights video to see who all contributed to the campaign.
“More than 25,000 Payne County residents are helped annually by donations made to United Way,” Cavins said. “This funding is distributed to 22 local nonprofit organizations that provide free or reduced-fee services focused on health, education and poverty elevation throughout Payne County.”
The annual campaign goal is determined by the funding needs of United Way’s 22 partner agencies.
“Our community really responded to the challenge,” Chris Ormsbee, United Way board member and campaign chair, said. “We called on the community to help, and so many of you answered with generosity. ”The proceeds from more than 2,800 donations across Stillwater, Perkins, Cushing, Glencoe, Yale and Ripley will help one out of three residents in Payne County. More than 360 Leaders Society givers, or donors who contribute $500 or more, raised more than half of the campaign’s goal.
“Next year will be the 70th anniversary campaign for United Way,” Ormsbee said. “With the great success we saw this year, we hope to make next year’s campaign bigger and better than ever.
Those that have yet to make their donation can still do so. Everything raised over the goal will still go to the partner agencies through special grants.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about United Way, visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org, call 405-377-2161 or stop by the United Way office at 109 E. Ninth Ave. in Stillwater.
The United Way of Payne County has been serving the Payne County community for nearly 70 years. They invest donated dollars in their 22 partner agencies to improve the health, education and financial stability of every citizen in Payne County.