United Way of Central Oklahoma kicked off the United Way Pacesetter Campaign with its annual Pacesetter Games on Thursday, June 6 on the lawn of American Fidelity. Pacesetters are businesses and organizations that run early United Way campaigns between June and September, literally setting the pace and drawing momentum for more than 1,000 workplace campaigns that will take place in the fall. Funds raised through workplace giving help fund local health and human services programs at United Way Partner Agencies that address our community’s most pressing challenges.

This competitive and enthusiastic kickoff drew in 22 corporate and United Way Partner Agency teams participating in games including a hula-hoop power ring pass and “Kryptonite Kelan Up” relay, all following this year’s super heroes campaign theme of “Guardians of the Community.”  Guests enjoyed a meal provided by American Fidelity.

This year, Partner Agency teams swept the competitions. Returning Pacesetter Chair David Harlow guided the competitions and declared the winners of the games. Homeless Alliance was awarded first place champions; A Chance to Change came in second place; and Pivot was crowned as the third place winner. The Spirit Award was given to Arvest for their enthusiasm throughout the event. Awards were also given to winners of the team t-shirt design contest, with NorthCare winning Partner Agency category and American Fidelity taking home the title for the corporate category.

United Way President and CEO Rachel Holt introduced the 2024 Campaign Co-Chairs Jenny Love Meyer and Jenee Lister who expressed appreciation for the campaign contributions made by Pacesetter organizations.

“Last year, Pacesetter companies brought in more than $3.1 million – that’s 18% of the overall total raised,” said Meyer. “Thank you for all you do for our campaign. The work you do over the next couple of months is not just important to meeting our community fundraising goal – it shares hope with thousands of Oklahomans in need.”

“We’d like to give a few important thank yous to the organizations that made today’s Pacesetter Games possible,” said Lister. “Thank you to American Fidelity for once again hosting us on their amazing grounds and providing the meal for the evening. Additionally, thank you to The Salvation Army for providing water and ice and Variety Care for providing First Aid – hopefully no one needs it!  And a huge thank you to YOU! This event wouldn’t be possible without you all, our amazing Pacesetter companies! It is thanks to you that we have the strongest possible start to our campaign. We can’t thank you enough.”

Harlow shared the dates for the upcoming United Way Campaign Roundtable on June 25 and the Hole Shebang! on October 3, and officially adjourned the 2024 United Way Pacesetter Games.