United Way 2014-2015 Campaign Results Announced at 76th Annual Meeting
"The LIVE UNITED movement invites people to join United Way in addressing community problems together, to create opportunities for everyone to succeed”, stated Erin Liberton outgoing United Way president. Liberton spoke before guests at the 76th United Way of Ponca City's annual meeting.
The United Way annual meeting and awards celebration held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Zino’s Restaurant honored those individuals and companies who helped make this year's United Way campaign a success as well as letting the community know about the numerous programs sponsored by United Way of Ponca City. Erin acknowledged the 13 member agencies, their guests, United Way Board Members and the United Way team. United Way events and projects were highlighted during the presentation, which included the 22nd annual Post Office Food Drive that benefits local agencies, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site that assisted with 49 family’s tax returns and RX for Oklahoma that helped 27 new clients in 2014 with prescription medications free or at a reduced cost.
Also in 2014 United Way of Ponca City participated in the United Way Day of Action, which is an invitation for people and organizations around the world to LIVE UNITED and take action to address a variety of challenges. We put our mission into action by improving lives on June 20th. In partnership with FamilyWize, one thousand discount prescription cards were distributed in our community. Over $333,000.00 dollars has been saved since we started distributing cards in 2005. United Way participated in the Kay County Health Coalition that helps businesses in the community become “healthy certified”. Erin recognized 15 businesses who achieved this certification; United Way was one of the recipients. Erin turned the meeting over to campaign chair, Daren Wilson to announce the campaign results.
Daren Wilson, 2014-2015 campaign chair, reported to those assembled that $545,010 was raised and allocated to partner agencies, initiatives, and the United Way office. Those recognized and receiving awards for their volunteer service included cabinet members, Deb Altman, Robin Carpenter, Tanner Buffington, Pam Dickerson, Natalie Prather, Rhonda Skrapke, Tana McKinley, Shelley Arrott, Lee and Laura Evans, Diane Anderson, Brad and Katie Liston and John Raley. Daren also recognized the assistant campaign chair, Larry Murphy wishing him well for the next campaign season. A special thank you was given to Lisa Worley with ConocoPhillips for securing a volunteer grant to help cover costs to participate in the Community Wide Holiday Give Away and Lindsey Dickerson for helping count and sorts tickets for the event.
Erin continued the meeting recognizing those serving on the Admissions and Allocation Committee, Rhonda Stolhand, Committee Chair, Ryan Austin, Dawn Brakey, Bob Gingerich, Terron Liles, Pat Morris, Casey Pruitt, Wendy Stobbe, Rich Terrill and Teri Woodman. These committee members spend countless hours reading agency program requests, financial statements and spend time visiting with agency staff and volunteers. After campaign ends, committee members discuss each program and make the recommendations to the United Way board of directors on funding for each agency. Another committee recognized was the United Way Endowment Committee, Pat Mulligan, Committee Chair, Darin Hiatt, Marc LaBossiere, Erin Liberton, Howard Sissel and Donna Trewitt. This committee administers all funds entrusted to the Endowment and coordinates the Planned Giving Program of UW. This was the sixth year United Way was able to distribute grants to organizations here in Ponca City through the United Way Jesse and Barbara Manering Endowment Fund, totaling $5000.00. Through this grant United Way funded Dearing House project-Keeping Them Safe, Hospice of North Central OK-Children’s Grief Camp, Kay County Council/Opportunity Center-Special Olympics, New Emergency Resource Agency-Homeless on the Weekend Meals, and Marland Children’s Home-Therapy through Photography.
The Friend of United Way award is given to a person or business that exemplifies there dedication to United Way. This year the award was given to Dorada Foods that has been a partner of United Way for only one year. Their company had more than 50% of their employees donate to the campaign, raising $14,290. Katie Bruner, Dorada’s In-House campaign chair and Kim Bodick, Controller was present to accept the award on behalf of Dorada Foods. The meeting was concluded with a presentation to Erin for serving as board president, and a gavel was passed to Daren Wilson to begin his presidency.
Daren Wilson-Albright Insurance, who led this year’s campaign, has moved into the presidency for 2015. Larry Murphy-Larry Murphy Insurance will chair the 2015 campaign. Donna Trewitt-Evans and Associates will continue to serve as Treasurer, Rhonda Stolhand-Stolhand Heating & Air as chairperson of the Admissions and Allocation Committee and Erin Liberton-Eastman National Bank remains on the executive committee as past president.
Members of the board of directors are: Debi Vap-RCB Bank, Tana McKinley-City of Ponca City, Teresa Smith-1st Class Estate Sales, Mindy Carr-Ponca City Medical Center, Dave Schaller-RCB Bank, Natalie Prather-Eastman National Bank, Ed Nanni-Phillips 66 Retiree, Casey Pruitt-First National Bank of Oklahoma, Regina Bookout-Cookshack Inc. Bruce DeMuth-Pioneer Technology Center, Pat Morris-Ponca City Public Schools Retiree, Josh Linn-Phillips 66, Rich Terrill-ConocoPhillips Retiree and Jeff Washko-Kaw Enterprise Development Authority.
Outgoing board members honored included Charles Snow-Ponca City Medical Center and outgoing board chair Terri Busch-Pioneer Technical Center.
United Way helps support the following member agencies and initiatives: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Cimarron Council, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, RSVP, The Salvation Army, Smart Start Kay County and the YMCA. These agencies and initiatives provide vital services to our community and your investment enable these agencies to continue quality services to all Ponca Citians.
The United Way of Ponca City board of directors meets at noon, the second Tuesday of the month at the United Way office and all meetings are open to the public. For more information on becoming a member of the board, committee member or campaign volunteer, call 765-2476.
