Tulsa Area United Way surpasses goal
BY MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer
Friday, November 09, 2012
11/09/12 at 7:59 AM
The Tulsa Area United Way announced several record-breaking numbers Thursday night as it celebrated the end of its fundraising campaign.
The agency not only surpassed its goal for its 2012 fundraising campaign, but it raised more money than any campaign in its 88-year history.
The agency raised $25,575,522, beating its $24.9 million goal by $675,500.
The previous campaign high was $25,025,000, reached in 2002.
"We made history tonight," said Mark Graham, president and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. "Each and every one of you helped us reach this milestone. Tulsans have once again demonstrated their generosity and concern for the community."
The announcement was made Thursday night at the agency's Unite! celebration in the lobby of the 624 Boston Building downtown.
"This is one of those moments you always remember," Graham said.
He also thanked the United Way's 61 partner agencies for the work they do in the community.
"You are the ones in the trenches with your sleeves rolled up, and you are fighting some pretty tough obstacles," he said.
In addition to the overall amount raised, the amount by which the agency beat its goal was also a new record, Graham said.
Other records broken during the campaign included the amount of money raised by the Trailblazer companies, which run early campaigns, and the amount raised by United Way partner agencies, who receive funding from the campaign.
The 15 Trailblazers raised $4,417,368, and the United Way partner agencies raised $850,000.
"I believe it's critical that we all give back to the community that has made us so successful," said Chet Cadieux, QuikTrip CEO and this year's campaign chairman. "We all have daily challenges, and it's important for us to remember that so many of our friends and neighbors are in need.
"These are not people we don't know. These are Tulsans. Every single one of us could need help at any given time."
The number of broken records didn't seem to intimidate Becky Frank, chairwoman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank PR and the chairwoman of next year's fundraising campaign.
"I'm feeling a little bit of trepidation, but the good, healthy kind that makes me want to roll up my sleeves and get started," she said.
In the past 88 years, the Tulsa Area United Way has raised and invested more than $618 million in the Tulsa area, helping provide critical health and human services to the community.
The agency provides services to more than 600,000 people annually through its 61 partner agencies in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
The final campaign numbers include verbal commitments from area employers, many of which are still conducting their campaigns with employees.
Pledges still accepted
The Tulsa Area United Way will continue to accept pledges through the rest of the year. Pledges can be made by calling 918-583-7171 or going online to tulsaworld.com/tauw
| Year |
Goal |
Amount Raised |
| 2012 |
$24,900,000 |
$25,575,522 |
| 2011 |
$24,556,573 |
$24,746,883 |
| 2010 |
$24,067,551 |
$24,324,803 |
| 2009 |
$23,898,673 |
$23,898,673 |
| 2008 |
$23,934,339 |
$24,001,223 |
| 2007 |
$23,266,434 |
$23,771,072 |
| 2006 |
$22,490,868 |
$22,493,761 |
| 2005 |
$21,758,000 |
$21,758,000 |
| 2004 |
$20,801,017 |
$20,801,888 |
| 2003 |
$22,978,096 |
$23,000,000 |
| 2002 |
$25,025,000 |
$25,025,000 |
Original Print Headline: Record giving
Mike Averill 918-581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Tulsa Area United Way President and CEO Mark Graham (left) points to the screen as QuikTrip CEO Chet Cadieux, the chairman of this year's United Way fundraising campaign, announces the total raised in the amount of $25,575,522 during the agency's Unite! event Thursday in downtown Tulsa. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
The $25 million amount raised for the Tulsa Area United Way this year is shown on the side of the BOk Tower in downtown Tulsa on Thursday night. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
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