There is more to celebrate this holiday season as United Way of Payne County announces Perkins has exceeded its community fundraising goal of $56,000 with more than $60,000 in donations. Perkins’ contributions were the tipping point in helping United Way exceed its total campaign goal of $950,000.
“This year’s campaign will help more lives than ever before,” Ruth Cavins, United Way of Payne County executive director, said. “A big thank you to everyone in Perkins who made a donation or ran a campaign at their business or workplace. We’re also thankful for our amazing board members and their tireless efforts for the campaign.”
A combination of individual gifts, community fundraisers and corporate donations helped United Way reach its goal. Payne County Bank organized a workplace campaign and various fundraisers to raise more than $48,000. The following businesses also contributed to the Perkins campaign: City of Perkins, Perkins Drug, Harland B. Wells Compaines, Farmers Insurance – Casey Martin, First Bank & Trust Co., El Mexicano’s and D’Marios Pizza.
“More than 25,000 Payne County residents are helped annually by donations made to United Way,” Cavins said. “This funding is distributed to 22 local nonprofit organizations that provide free or reduced-fee services focused on health, education and poverty elevation throughout Payne County.”'
5,386 residents in Perkins were helped by United Way agencies last year.
The annual campaign goal is determined by requests from United Way’s 22 partner agencies.
“Perkins really responded to the challenge,” Rick Lomenick, United Way board member and Perkins campaign chair, said. “We called on the community to help, and so many of you answered with generosity.”
“I’d like to express my thanks for the work of April Nack and Leah Smith, our campaign coordinators at Payne County Bank,” Lomenick said. “They organized multiple United Way fundraising activities while still carrying on with their regular bank duties."
The proceeds from more than 2,800 donations across Perkins, Stillwater, Cushing, Glencoe, Yale and Ripley will help one out of three residents in Payne County. 361 Leaders Society givers, or donors who contribute $500 or more, raised more than half of the campaign’s goal.
“Next year will be the 70th anniversary campaign for United Way,” Lomenick said. “With the great success we saw this year, United Way hopes to make next year’s campaign bigger and better than ever.”
Those that have yet to make their donation can still do so. Everything raised over the goal will still go to the partner agencies through special grants.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about United Way, visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org, call 405-377-2161 or stop by the United Way office at 109 E. Ninth Ave. in Stillwater.
The United Way of Payne County has been serving the Payne County community for nearly 70 years. They invest donated dollars in their 22 partner agencies to improve the health, education and financial stability of every citizen in Payne County.