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United Way of Norman seeks to raise $1.9 million to fund community programs

BY:Heide Brandes

With less than a month to reach its goal of $1.9 million, United Way of Norman is betting that once again, Normanites will rise up to meet the needs of its neighbors and friends.

Already, the organization has raised roughly 60 percent of its goal through donations, business support and events like the Celebrity Sing, but this year is especially important, said Jed Dembowski, vice president of marketing & communications for the United Way of Norman.

“The campaign is going good, but it’s hard to compare to previous years because this year has just been so different,” he said. “We are optimistic, though. We’ve had great support, but the needs are greater too.”

The United Way of Norman helps fund 42 programs at 29 organizations in the Norman area and provides services to the community through programs and community initiatives like the ABC School Supply Program, Student United Way LEAD and the FamilyWize discount drug cards.

More than 56,100 people receive aid from the United Way of Norman and its organizations every year. This year, however, it may go up exponentially.

“Some of our organizations have seen a 100 percent increase in clients, especially those organizations that offering rent and food assistance. They’ve seen a huge increase,” Dembowski shared. “When COVID really took off earlier this year, we raised additional money for rent assistance.”

Almost 87 cents of every dollar goes directly toward helping people, he added.

“We are still taking donations, and you can give through your company or give online,” he said.

One of the largest fundraisers for the United Way of Norman’s annual campaign is the Celebrity Sing event. This year’s 25th-anniversary event was held on Oct. 23 and raised $95,000.

“Celebrity Sing is our biggest fundraiser each year. People from the community come and sing and do productions, and we do that with Sooner Theatre,” said Dembowski. “We also have a live and silent auction, but as you can imagine, things were different this year.”

Instead of holding the event - which is usually attended by 600 people - at The Riverwind Casino, the event was moved to an outdoor venue at Legacy Park. The in-person attendance was limited with social distancing measures in place.

“We moved the silent auction online, which turned out great,” Dembowski said. “It allowed people who weren’t at the event to bid, and I think we will stick with the online silent auction for sure.”

Celebrity Sing featured 19 acts that included singing, dancing and full productions, managed by Jennifer Baker of Sooner Theatre.

“It was incredible. It’s a full production with lights, fog machines, you name it. I’m always so impressed with the talent each year,” he said. “We are so appreciative of everyone who donated. We know it’s been a tough year for people, but Norman is always amazing.

“Norman always steps up when help is needed.”

For more information about United Way of Norman’s annual campaign or how to donate, visit unitedwaynorman.org. – BSM