Owasso to Help United Way Kick-Off Campaign
August 2014 – The Tulsa Area United Way will officially kick off and announce the goal of its annual campaign for the community at the Live United Crosstown Showdown – the legendary Owasso-Broken Arrow High School football rivalry – on Friday, Sept. 5.
The football game will begin at 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium, 1901 E. Albany in Broken Arrow. Tickets will be available at the stadium.
“Football and the United Way campaign are two of our community’s most beloved fall traditions,” said Mark Graham, president and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. “We are thrilled to partner with these high schools and communities to kick off our campaign.”
The goal of the annual campaign will be announced at halftime before 15,000 students, parents and fans.
“The United Way has such a tremendous impact on both the Owasso and Broken Arrow communities,” said Dr. Clark Ogilvie, superintendent of the Owasso Public Schools. “Being a part of the United Way campaign kick-off and goal announcement is a great way for our teams to support the community.”
Last year, 10,878 Owasso residents received assistance from 40 United Way agencies in Owasso and Tulsa. A total of $794,286 was invested by the Tulsa Area United Way in Owasso. United Way agencies headquartered in Owasso include Owasso Community Resources.
In 2013, Owasso Community Resources provided food, clothing and utility assistance to 3,322 individuals living in Owasso and Collinsville.
“The Tulsa Area United Way plays such an important role in improving the lives of Owasso residents,” said Dr. Ogilvie.
The chair of this year’s United Way campaign is Dr. Gerry Clancy, president of the University of Oklahoma – Tulsa. The campaign will be led by 50 members of the all-volunteer Campaign Cabinet, and supported by 20 loaned executives, volunteers from throughout the community and United Way staff members.
The game marks the official beginning of the annual United Way campaign, although several companies and organizations, known as Trailblazers, are currently conducting their campaigns early during the summer. The success of their early campaigns also will be announced at halftime.
The kickoff celebration will help the United Way shine a spotlight on suburban areas, Graham said. Numerous agencies funded by the United Way are located in nearby communities, including Owasso, and residents of both communities receive services from the United Way’s 61 partner agencies.
“The Tulsa Area United Way serves a six-county region, including Owasso and many other surrounding communities,” Graham said. “In fact, last year nearly 550,000 people in the Tulsa area received services from the agencies we support.”
The cheerleading squads from both schools will help the United Way reveal the big number, Graham said.
The winner of the game will receive the Live United Crosstown Showdown Cup, provided by Bailey Medical Center.
“It’s going to be a great evening and we encourage everyone to attend,” Graham said. “There’s nothing like the beginning of fall and football in Oklahoma and we’re so pleased to be part of the tradition.”
For more information on the Tulsa Area United Way’s annual campaign for the community, or to make a contribution online, visit www.tauw.org.
