Annual OU Coaches Luncheon to Benefit Area Kids in Need

Fostering Futures’ annual OU Coaches Luncheon, on July 27 at Life.Church in Norman, gives Sooner fans a sneak peek at the upcoming football season and a fun way to support the local nonprofit.

Fostering Futures, previously known as the Citizens Advisory Board, started in 1989 as a Secret Santa program to provide Christmas presents for children in foster care in Cleveland County. The organization has since grown to include additional programs, all with the mission “to provide financial and emotional support for children and their families who receive services from the Cleveland County Child Welfare System.”

Each year, Foster Futures hosts the OU Coaches Luncheon, which serves as the nonprofit’s primary fundraiser. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 27, attendees will hear from Oklahoma Football Head Coach Brent Venables, as he shares what he is expecting for this upcoming season. The luncheon will also include a live auction and the Randy Laffoon 50/50 Raffle.

Money raised during the luncheon supports the organization’s various programs, said Sue Durrett, who has been with Fostering Futures since its inception and is the current executive director.

In 2019, Fostering Futures expanded their programs and took over the Luggage of Love program, which provides emergency clothing for children upon request. When children are entering a new placement, they can receive a suitcase with two outfits, a pair of pajamas, shoes and either a coat, jacket or swimsuit, depending upon the season. The luggage also includes a personal hygiene kit, blanket and toy or book.

Another resource is their basic needs program, which provides various items to support families including beds, car seats and gas cards. Additionally, Foster Futures provides financial support for the cost of extracurricular activity participation or a summer camp to allow foster children to build community connections.

Durrett shared a story about a girl who was placed with a family that was active in FFA. The girl wanted to raise a pig through the organization, so Fostering Futures paid for half the pig, with the joke being they are not sure if they paid for the front half or the back, and the foster parents paid for the other half.

“Anything that helps (foster kids) with making connections and establishing roots so they can grow, that’s what we want to do,” Durrett explained.

Through the first Secret Santa event, Fostering Futures served just under 70 kids. Last year through Secret Santa, basic needs and Luggage of Love, the nonprofit served over 2,100, Durrett said, highlighting the nonprofit’s growth. Fostering Futures also facilitates a teen support group, which assists youth ages 15 to 18 as they plan and prepare to transition out of foster care.

If anyone is interested in volunteering or donating to Fostering Futures, more information can be found at the organization’s website or Facebook page. Durrett explained that most volunteers are needed during Secret Santa season to help set up and distribute gifts to foster parents.

In addition to monetary donations, Fostering Futures will sometimes request donations of specific inventory, especially for the Luggage with Love program. You can find those needs online or on social media.

Through all of their programs, Fostering Futures remains dedicated to remaining anonymous to the children. For example, Durrett said if the organization is paying for summer camps, the check will go directly to the camp or the foster parents.

“We don’t want it set up where they feel like they’re getting charity,” Durrett explained. “They don’t need to know where it comes from, they just need to be kids and explore life.”– BSM