United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) celebrated a milestone evening at its 25th Annual Gala Jan. 30 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The event brought together nearly 800 donors, Partner Agencies, volunteers and community leaders to honor outstanding service.

The dedication of the 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs, Lee and Suzie Symcox, was highlighted as the 2025 annual fundraising campaign total was revealed at $19,553,414 to benefit UWCO’s 66 Partner Agencies. This total reflects contributions to United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Canadian County, United Way of Logan County, the State Charitable Campaign through state of Oklahoma employees, and the Heart of the City Campaign through City of Oklahoma City employees.

The gala highlighted the generosity and commitment of central Oklahomans who make UWCO’s mission possible. Guests enjoyed an evening of celebration as UWCO recognized four individuals for their leadership and dedication:

• Emerging Leaders Pinnacle Award – Presented to Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik, senior asset engineer for Phillips 66, for her exemplary compassion, innovation and community engagement.
• Ray Ackerman Leadership Award – Awarded to David Westman, chief information officer for BancFirst, honoring decades of service to UWCO’s mission.
• John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award – Presented to Kari Watkins, president & CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, for her role in preserving history and fostering community healing.
• Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to Robert H. Clements, executive vice president of Clements Food Co., for his lifelong dedication to volunteering and philanthropy.

“Our United Way team is honored by the continued generosity of our donors,” said Rachel C. Holt, UWCO President & CEO. “This year, more than ever, our Partner Agencies count on United Way funding to provide critical services to our community. Our community showed their compassion through the response to our Fall Food Drive, resulting in over 9,500 food items and over $81,480 being collected and distributed to our Partner Agencies during the three-week drive.”  

The evening, hosted by UWCO Board Chair Mark Funke, also featured recognition of past campaign co-chairs from the last 25 years of UWCO’s campaign celebrations, employee campaign coordinators and the Partner Agencies that help achieve UWCO’s mission each year.

“To have a first-hand look at how our community came together this year in times of great
need was an incredible thing to witness,” said Mark Funke. “We celebrate our volunteer award winners and another successful campaign to support our Partner Agencies. The work of United Way is improving lives and having a direct impact on
those who need it most.”

Three agencies also received additional recognition with two different grant awards. The Doug Stussi Financial Stewardship Award honored two UWCO Partner Agencies. Calm Waters received the $5,000 award to continue to provide free-of-charge support groups and individualized therapy sessions available on a sliding scale for low-income families.

Wings A Special Needs Community also received the financial award to support their members’ work in creating hygiene and care packages for area nonprofits.

The Wharton Family Mental Health Award of $5,000 honored Neighborhood Services Organization for the agency’s work in providing permanent, safe housing to residents.

For more information about UWCO and its network of 66 Partner Agencies, visit unitedwayokc.org or call 405-236-8441.