By Lauren Matheny, Staff Writer
A committee of OCU faculty and staff members organized a number of fundraising efforts to benefit United Way of Central Oklahoma, all designed to get students involved.
The events will commence on Monday, October 21st, with bake sales outside of the cafeteria, and will continue throughout homecoming week.
A committee of 30 OCU faculty and staff members from many different schools and departments began meeting in September to plan the fundraising efforts. The United Way serves as an umbrella organization for over 60 local organizations. These include well-known not-for-profits like The Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, The Salvation Army, and the Boy and Girl Scout organizations. Money raised by the OCU fundraisers will go directly to United Way, who then uses the funds to impact the lives of poverty-stricken individuals in the Oklahoma City area.
Karen Vann, administrative assistant and OCU Television coordinator, believes that this is what sets United Way apart from other charitable organizations.
“I fell in love at the first meeting I attended. I hadn’t realized all the organizations that were partners with United Way, and I felt like I could help all of them,” Vann said. “I know that I’m making a difference in the Oklahoma City community, and that makes it all worth it.”
Last year, the OCU United Way committee exceeded its fundraising goal of $15,000. This year, they have set a goal of $22,000.
Events include a Hot Dog Luncheon outside the Great Hall of the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center on Friday, October 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students can pay $5 for a hot dog lunch combo, and attend the United Way Involvement Fair. Partner agencies from across the state will be providing information on their work in the community, and providing volunteer opportunities for students.
Also on Friday, the committee will hold it’s largest fundraising event, the Silent Auction. Over 64 items donated from staff, local businesses, and students will be available to bid on between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. Winners will be announced at the end of the day.
On September 29th, the organization will hold a Life Size Angry Birds War on the quad, with a fall carnival open to students and faculty.
The week will culminate in the Pie in the Face competition at half time of the Men’s Basketball Game. Students are encouraged to donate spare change in the jars of faculty members in Walker Center in the next several weeks. The two losing and winning faculty members will all receive pies in the face at the game.
Vann encourages students to get involved on any level they can.
“We are always looking for students to help out, whether it’s volunteering at events, or donating their time and talents for the silent auction,” Vann said. “Our campus has an incredibly generous student body.”
Madi Alexander, mass communications/political science senior, was moved to donate her time to the silent auction after speaking with Vann.
“Karen explained what an important organization it is, and she is so passionate about it,” Alexander said. “I don’t have the money to donate as a college student, but I do have the time. I’m happy I can help in some way.”
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