The annual employee United Way campaign at OSU Institute of Technology has begun and includes fundraising events and opportunities to get involved throughout October.
“I encourage each employee to participate in this year’s campaign in any way they can,” said Dr. Bill R. Path, OSUIT president. “It’s part of OSUIT’s mission to prepare and sustain our student body to become contributing members of society. This is just one of the ways that we, as employees, can lead by example by contributing to our local Okmulgee community.”
Fundraisers this year look a little different than in years past. It still includes a silent auction but now offers a chance to pie a dean and even jail a member of the President’s Cabinet for the right price.
Employees can provide a one-time contribution, give a monthly donation, or participate in the events on campus. The campaign is hoping to have 100% employee participation this year with a goal to raise $1,200 for the Tulsa Area United Way, which will directly impact the Okmulgee area.
The “Pie a Dean” and “Jail a Cabinet Member” events will be held in the Student Union on October 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The dean who receives the most money donated will receive a pie in the face. If $500+ is cumulatively raised between the three participants, everyone will be pied.
Members of the President’s Cabinet that are “jailed” must match the amount of money raised to be “bonded out” early. If they do not match the amount raised, they will need to remain in jail for their allotted time to reach a status of “time served.”
“We are pumped to kick off another slate of events for our annual Tulsa Area United Way fundraising campaign. One exciting fact is that the money that is contributed to TAUW through our annual campaign goes directly towards our local Okmulgee County partnering agencies,” said Brooke Cook, chair of the OSUIT Faculty/Staff Council. “We have some fun events in the pipeline and look forward to seeing our campus community step up and answer the call to help our local community.”
A silent auction with donated baskets will be displayed and open for bidding in the library from October 24 to October 28 during library hours. The coveted United Way parking spots will also be included in the auction.
All proceeds benefit the Okmulgee area. Last year, 7,821 Okmulgee County residents received assistance representing a total community investment of nearly $400,000.
Money will be collected from now until October 30 at the Bursar’s office and by Rhonda Blair in the School of Arts, Sciences & Health. Melody Carlock in the School of Engineering & Construction Technologies and Amy Largent in the School of Transportation & Heavy Equipment.
Emails will be sent from the Faculty/Staff Council to employees on how to get involved in this year’s campaign. For more information about these events or giving to the United Way to benefit Okmulgee area families, contact Brooke Cook at brooke.cook@okstate.edu.