Tulsa Area United Way sets donation records
BY World's Editorials Writers
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
11/13/12 at 2:48 AM
It wasn't a surprise that the Tulsa Area United Way met and surpassed it's goal. It was, however, something of a surprise, a pleasant one, that it set a couple of records along the way.
This year's goal was $24.9 million. That's a lot of money to raise, especially in a shaky economy. So, what did citizens in the Tulsa area do? They stepped up and donated $25,575,522, surpassing the goal by $675,500. This year's total is more than at any time in the TAUW's 88-year history.
The Tulsa Area United Way serves 61 agencies that deliver services to more than 600,000 people in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
The TAUW has been one of the most successful and dependable agencies in the country. The great majority of the funds raised go the agencies and people who need it. Very little is spent on administration.
A lot of credit for that success goes to the United Way and its volunteers. The work could not get done without them.
Still, in the end, it comes down to those who make the donations. Much of that is because of employers who pledge to match their employees' donations.
Was it a surprise that the Tulsa area achieved and surpassed its goal? No.
The generosity and compassion the people in this area have always shown for those in need are never a surprise.
Again, a lot of neighbors who faced an uncertain future will be much better off in the coming year.
One thing, however, is certain: 2012 is going to be a tough act to follow.
Original Print Headline: Surprise
