United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) Pacesetter Campaigns officially began on Thursday, June 4 with Pacesetter Games on the lawns of longtime supporter American Fidelity.

The event marks the official start of the Pacesetter campaign season. Nearly 50 Pacesetters organizations run early United Way campaigns from June through August, building momentum for more than 500 workplace campaigns scheduled for the fall.

This year’s Pacesetter Games featured 20 corporate and UWCO Partner Agency teams competing in themed relay games on American Fidelity’s lawn. UWCO’s 2026 campaign theme honors the Centennial of Route 66, “Rooted in Community, United in Hope.”

The YMCA took home first place, followed by the BancFirst in second, and OG&E in third. Arvest Bank received the Spirit Award for its outstanding enthusiasm throughout the event.

Awards were also presented for the team T-shirt design contest. TEEM won in the Partner Agency category, and American Fidelity took home the corporate category win.

Hillary and Peter Farrell, 2026 UWCO campaign co-chairs, along with longtime Pacesetter Chair David Harlow, thanked the participating companies for their commitment

“In 2025, Pacesetters and Employee Campaign Coordinators played a key role by raising more than $3 million,” said Pacesetter Chair David Harlow. “That is approximately 20% of the overall campaign total which was more than $19 million to help fund human and health services for Central Oklahomans in need.

To learn more about workplace giving, visit UnitedWayOKC.org.