Tulsa Area United Way to Kick Off Campaign at Owasso – Broken Arrow High School Football Game Sept. 4
The Tulsa Area United Way will officially kick off and announce the goal of its annual campaign for the community at the Crosstown Showdown – the legendary Owasso – Broken Arrow High School football rivalry – on Friday, Sept. 4th.
The football game will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Owasso High School Stadium, 86th St. N. and 129th E. Ave. in Owasso. 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.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way in launching its annual campaign for the community,” said Dr. Clark Ogilvie, superintendent of the Owasso Public Schools. “This is not only a merging of two great traditions, but an opportunity to help educate our students, parents and fans about the importance of supporting the United Way.”
“The United Way has such a tremendous impact on both the Broken Arrow and Owasso communities,” said Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, superintendent of Broken Arrow 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.”
The chair of this year’s United Way campaign is Ted Haynes, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. 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 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 Broken Arrow, and residents of both communities receive services from the United Way’s 60 partner agencies.
Owasso Community Resources – a United Way partner agency – serves residents of the Owasso and Collinsville area and will have a presence at the game.
“The Tulsa Area United Way serves a six-county region, including Owasso, Broken Arrow and many other surrounding communities,” Graham said. “In fact, last year more than 500,000 people in the Tulsa area received services from the agencies we support.”
The Owasso High School Cheer Squad and Band will help the United Way reveal the big number, Graham said.
The winner of the game will receive the 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.
