Employees Build Community Through Giving Back

Twenty-six OEC employees teamed up with Aging Services during United Way of Norman's (UWN) Day of Caring (DOC). The annual service event brought together over 600 volunteers from businesses in Cleveland County. Over 30 nonprofit agencies in Norman, Moore, Little Axe and Noble benefitted from DOC, which kicked off UWN's annual fundraising campaign.

"I enjoy seeing so many members of our community come together to help out our often-struggling nonprofits complete tasks they might not be able to perform due to budget restraints, staffing and the necessary time commitment," said OEC Education and Outreach Coordinator Tory Tedder-Loffland, who also served as DOC chairperson.

OEC's volunteer group spent time repairing and painting interior walls at the Aging Services office, as well as construct a handicap-accessible ramp for a client of Aging Services who lives in Lexington. It was a busy day filled with rewarding work for a deserving organization. “I always love to see the business community come together during DOC and serve these nonprofits in such impactful ways,” said Michelle Hohlier, OEC Fiber sales and marketing business developer. “I’m especially proud to be part of an organization that places such a high priority on serving our communities in every way possible.” [4404200201]

In addition to their volunteer work, employees also pledged over $18,000 in donations to UWN during the 2019 campaign, one which CEO Patrick Grace served as co-chair with his wife, Kelley.

“I’m always blown away by our employees’ generosity,” Grace said.

Their $18,000 in donations will have such an impact on the UWN agencies that serve all over our service area, and their work during DOC doesn’t go unnoticed. I couldn’t be more proud.