Giving Changes Everything

“Our goal is to improve the lives of more than 60,000 people in our community,” said Jed Dembowski, VP, United Way of Norman.

The United Way of Norman unites the community in a number of ways – from those in need receiving services from community partners to the donors and volunteers that help make it all possible.

“No single agency can meet all of our community’s needs,” shared Jed Dembowski, United Way vice president tasked with marketing and communications. “We want to improve health, expand education, grow livelihoods, and address essential needs.

“Gifts to United Way of Norman become part of a collective effort supporting local programs and initiatives tackling critical issues in our community.”

This year’s annual campaign aims to raise $1.8 million. Dembowski emphasized that “donations stay local.”

“Funding decisions are made by local volunteers following hours of review and discussion,” he confirmed.

The effort is led by Robyn Castleberry, from Moore Norman Technology Center, serving as campaign chair this year. Castleberry leads a large number of committed volunteers including 32 community leaders that sit on the board of directors as well as 40 community volunteers on the Campaign cabinet.

Dembowski was also quick to highlight the important role of campaign coordinators at local businesses.

“Achieving our goal would not be possible without the campaign coordinators,” he said. “These volunteers run the United Way campaign at their individual businesses - coordinating speakers, fundraisers and other activities. They inspire us with their hard work and passion for strengthening our community.”

“Attitudes toward corporate responsibility and community involvement start at the top,” he added. “Support from the CEOs at Pacesetter companies is vital to making our goal.”

Pacesetters are a select group of businesses that typically donate around half of all the funds collected during any given year. They jump-start the annual campaign, setting the pace, just as the name implies.

“The success and excitement generated by the activities of our Pacesetters inspire other organizations to follow their lead when running their campaigns,” Dembowski said.

KREF owner Casey Vinyard said she is proud to be among this group.

“Our teams at KREF, KrefSports.tv, Boyd Street & 19th Street Magazines are proud to support United Way as a Pacesetter company,” she shared. “We strive to have 100% annual team giving and provide as much support as possible to the United Way partner agencies as they are a critical part of strengthening our community. We are thankful for such a strong United Way and hope more companies will join in supporting the Pacesetter campaign.”

To learn more about The United Way of Norman or to get involved in this year’s campaign, visit unitedwaynorman.org, or follow along on social media, @UnitedWayNorman.

“Any business that wants to help needs to email kholder@unitedway-norman.org or call the United Way office at 405-329-2025,” Dembowski invited. “We know a workplace campaign may not be right for everyone, but together we can figure out how to meet a company’s goals for giving back to our community.” – BSM