United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) celebrated the success of its 2024 fundraising campaign on Jan. 31 at the 24th annual United Way Gala, held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum with over 800 guests in attendance. The campaign raised $17,634,000 for local health and human service programs benefiting central Oklahoma communities. This total represents contributions to United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Canadian County, United Way of Logan County, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign for Oklahoma City.

“UWCO truly makes it easy to make a difference,” 2024 Campaign Co-Chair Jenny Love Meyer said. “We wouldn’t be able to celebrate year-after-year without the individuals and companies who choose to make a difference in our community. Thank you to our generous donors, volunteers and Partner Agencies for sharing hope with our neighbors who need it the most.”

The Gala honored four community leaders with UWCO’s most prestigious volunteer awards:

• Emerging Leaders Pinnacle Award: This new award recognizes a member of UWCO’s young professionals’ affinity group, Emerging Leaders, who demonstrates the highest standards of compassion, leadership, and community engagement. Cathy Gritts, of OG&E, was honored for her 10 years of service as an Emerging Leader and her role as Steering Committee Chair in 2022.
• Ray Ackerman Leadership Award: Presented to those who embody Ray Ackerman’s tireless dedication to United Way’s mission, this award went to Heather Scott, vice president at Continental Resources. Scott has been an active volunteer for many years, serving on the UWCO board of directors and participating in the Community Investment process.
• John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award: This award recognizes individuals who work to find long-term solutions to community needs. Dan Straughan, former executive director of The Homeless Alliance, received the award for his 20 years of leadership in addressing homelessness in Oklahoma City.
• Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizing lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership, and philanthropy, this award was presented to Sherri Lance, president and managing partner of Gaming Capital Group. Lance, a long-time supporter of UWCO, served as campaign co-chair and board chair in 2019 and 2021, respectively, playing a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the celebration of UWCO’s 100th anniversary.

“Cathy, Heather, Dan and Sherri exemplify leaders in our community who dedicate their time and resources to building a stronger, healthier, more compassionate community. It was an honor to celebrate them this evening along with our generous donors, who truly make an impact in addressing the critical needs of central Oklahomans,” UWCO President & CEO Rachel C. Holt said. “Thank you to our 2024 Campaign Co-Chairs, Jenee Naifeh Lister and Jenny Love Meyer, for leading a successful campaign and to our dedicated Board of Directors and Board Chair Shane Wharton for all they do to support United Way.”

The event also recognized Love’s Travel Stops President Shane Wharton as the outgoing board chair. Mark Funke will serve as the UWCO board chair for 2025-2026.

During the event, other volunteers and Partner Agencies were recognized for their efforts throughout 2024, as well. This year, two agencies received the Doug Stussi Financial Stewardship Award. City Care received the $5,000 award for the comfort and dignity they provide to clients served at their Night Shelter.

Sunbeam Family Services received $5,000 for their commitment to serving infants and children through a Head Start class program at Positive Tomorrows, another UWCO Partner Agency.
Lastly, NorthCare was awarded the Wharton Family Mental Health Award for their dedication to providing physical and mental health services to patients at no cost.

At the conclusion of the event, UWCO introduced Future 405, a new opportunity designed to engage high school and college students in volunteering with the organization. The initiative was created by a group of Ackerman McQueen interns who researched ways to involve young donors in giving back.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 GALA SPONSORS: