OEC Foundation Board Committed to Serving Their Communities

Since 1994, community leaders have served on the OEC Foundation board. Their goal? Help meet the needs of individuals, families and nonprofit agencies in their communities which are also our communities.

Founded as a way to meet one of the core cooperative principles — Concern for Community — the OEC Foundation works to improve the standard of living for all our neighbors. To that end, tens of thousands of OEC members generously round up their electric bills each month with that small change (from one cent to 99 cents per month) going into the Operation Round Up® (ORU) fund. An independent board of nine people, nominated by OEC trustees based on their community involvement and volunteer experience, review applications and determine disbursements. Each board member is special and brings a unique perspective to his and her work on the Foundation.

The board consists of three retired principals (elementary, middle school and high school), a full-time rancher and farmer, a retired farmer, a retired registered nurse, a small business owner, a retired communications technician and a retired administrative assistant. Nine people who represent our nine districts and come from varying sectors of society come together for the benefit of the whole OEC family.

“As an OEC member, I am proud of how ORU operates to serve the needs within its territory without bias, even for non-OEC members,” said Carla Kimberling, District 8 board member serving east Norman, south Oklahoma City and Midwest City. “I didn’t fully understand the scope of ORU when I first joined the board. The Foundation operates independently of OEC business. We focus on the needs of individuals to make meaningful impact on their situations and on nonprofit agencies to support their missions of improvement to our communities. I am also proud of how OEC is leading the way to provide internet service in areas most in need.”

Vivian Gibson, a founding member of the OEC Foundation in her 27th year of service, represents District 5 serving core Norman and Noble. While not an OEC member, Gibson was invited to serve on the OEC Foundation board because of her extensive community involvement and commitment to service. Her volunteerism and board service for the American Red Cross, United Way, Human Rights Commission, Crossroads Youth and Family Services, and others makes her just the kind of board member OEC was looking for.

“The OEC Foundation Operation Round Up program is one of the greatest around for helping individuals,” said Gibson.

I serve because I feel like I am helping to make a difference in someone’s life.

Vickie Gray from the Little Axe/Stella area serves District 2 which also represents McLoud, Pink and Bethel Acres. As a member of the Little Axe Chamber of Commerce, the Little Axe American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and active in many church groups and community events, Gray is an admirable representative for her district although she does not receive electric service from OEC.

“Serving on the OEC Foundation to help meet the needs of so many is a blessing,” said Gray. “From helping individuals with dental care to emergency responders with equipment to feeding the homeless, I am proud of what we do.”

Betty Allen of District 1, serving west Norman and Moore, said she is honored to be part of such an impactful program. She remembers one family’s application in particular. “We awarded funds for medical travel for a family living locally. They had a son undergoing cancer treatment in Texas. The mother and father had to split time with one working and taking care of the kids at home and the other living in Texas for medical care,” said Allen. “I still think about how important and needed that grant was for the family.”

Ronnie Fulks of District 3 serving Lexington, Slaughterville and east Noble continues the theme.

“I enjoy helping and serving others,” he said. “Every time we are able to help an individual with dental work, eyeglasses, wheel chair ramps, or whatever the need, I feel good about what we are doing. I am a proud OEC member not in small part because of this program.”

Beckie Turner of Amber has proudly served District 9 for 12 years. She helps ensure the Foundation’s dollars have positive impact on OEC’s most rural members in Amber, Pocasset, Verden, Blanchard, Chickasha, Dibble, Minco and Mustang.

“It has been a joy to see our Operation Round Up dollars do so much good,” she said.

Being a part of that is a true blessing. It is amazing that so many can be helped when everyone gives just a little.

Pat Ragsdale, a retired high school principal who now raises cattle and tends to a small farm, represents the Tuttle and Bridge Creek area in District 7. He’s the newest member of the board and enjoys making a difference.

“It is an honor and privilege to give back to your community,” said Ragsdale. “I believe being a member of this board is an excellent way to serve.”

Travis Scott of District 6, serving Goldsby, Washington and Purcell, still works full time operating a sand and gravel company and feels the same.

“I serve because being a part of something bigger than ourselves creates something special for our

surrounding area,” he said. “We have the ability to help out, ease a burden and just do the right thing for many families in a time of need. Serving gives me the opportunity to learn about what our community really needs and provides the tools to make an impact.”

Current OEC Foundation president Alan Davenport of Newcastle said it best.

“My views on ORU are basic — it is great! It is easy and so inexpensive I don’t know why anyone would opt out.”

Davenport goes on to explain that a member would at most give $11.88 per year if they rounded up 99 cents per month. On average, members donate about $6 per year to the program. “That small change goes to fund equipment for fire and police departments, food programs for school-aged kids, summer reading programs and so much more.”

Davenport recalls one application from the Newcastle Fire Department that made an impact on how he feels about serving.

“Several years ago the Newcastle Fire Department requested swift water rescue equipment that totaled about $3,000. At the time, the Canadian River was so dry it needed to be mowed, but we approved the grant anyway. The following spring the rains came, and the river rolled fast and wide. About a half mile upstream from the I-35 bridge, an individual was stranded in the middle of the river hanging on to a brush pile. The Newcastle Fire Department used the swift water rescue equipment to reach this person just before the brush pile broke up. Without the right equipment, the man would have drowned.”

Those who so generously round up their electric bills each month help save lives. They help clothe children, feed the hungry, build accessible ramps, ease the burden of costly medical bills and more. Thank you to those who have helped the Foundation grant more than $5 million to meet local needs since 1994. Your dollars have stayed local and your communities are better because of you.