OSU in Tulsa United Way Campaign
2012 joint goal: $54,500
The 2012 OSU in Tulsa United Way campaign is looking forward to raising money to benefit the Tulsa Area United Way. Your support for our activities is vital to the success of our campaign, and we hope you will get involved in the various activities and events happening on both campuses. View a full calendar here, and look for regular email updates on our progress toward our goal and news about prize drawings and activities. Let’s show Tulsa how America’s Brightest Orange can make a difference in our city.
Download a pledge card from the Tulsa Area United Way website.
OSU in Tulsa Employee R.D. Bell Shares How and Why He Donates to the United Way:
I give to United Way because United Way agencies have helped me throughout my life; from a child to adult. I have benefited directly as well as my family and those agencies I have associated with over the years.
When I was two and a half I had my tonsils out and I did not talk again for two years. The Tulsa Children’s Medical Center (CMC), a United Way Agency, evaluated my silence and when I did begin to talk, they were there to help me develop my speech abilities. After merging with Hillcrest Hospital, CMC no longer was an independent United Way Agency, but other United Way agencies including A New Leaf, Ability Resources, Youth Services of Tulsa and the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges took over the services it provided.
Tulsa Area United Way agencies have helped me with personal development throughout my life. I was a Boy Scout; United Way Supports Boy Scouts of America (Indian Nations Council) as well as Camp Fire USA Green Country Council and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. When I was a foster parent, Family and Children's Services--another United Way agency--provided me with necessary continuing education credits.
After volunteering with the 1996 National Organization for Victim Assistance Conference in Tulsa, I trained with Call Rape as a male hospital advocate. In 2005, United Way requested the merger of Call Rape with DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Service) to increase the efficiency of service offered. The addition of sexual assault services to DVIS' continuum of care furthers the goal of stopping violence in the Tulsa community.
How I give
I want to be sure of my donation, so I give through payroll deduction. I also give through participating in the United Way Campaign events.
When I joined the University Center at Tulsa after Thanksgiving 1989, I signed up with United Way payroll deduction. As I have received pay raises and promotions, one way I gave thanks was by increasing my annual United Way pledge. After the 2008 recession, I bumped up my pledge again because so many people needed help and I knew Tulsa Area United Way Agencies were out there providing it.
In 2006 I decided to join the "Key Club" and meet the Leadership Giving Matching Challenge Grant, which matches dollar-for-dollar all new and increased Leadership Gifts--an annual contribution of $500 or more. With this matching grant, my pledge was doubled, and every time I increase my pledge, it is matched. Being a Key Club member means my gifts go that much further.
I know that United Way manages their agencies to avoid duplication of efforts and provide the best services possible. More than 90 cents of every dollar contributed goes directly to help people in need, making the Tulsa Area United Way one of the most cost-effective organizations in the community. I know my money going to United Way makes Tulsa a stronger community.
R.D. Bell
Co-chair, 2012 OSU in Tulsa United Way Campaign
