The City of Broken Arrow, as an organization, received the Green Country Business Award from the Tulsa Area United Way at the Live United Awards on March 18.
Vice Mayor Johnnie Parks and Councilors Lisa Ford and David Pickel attended the awards luncheon to receive the recognition on behalf of the city.
“I thought it was a very nice award and made me feel good,” said Vice Mayor Johnnie Parks. “We have a lot of nonprofit organizations that benefit from the United Way. So, I think it is important that we are involved.”
“There were over 900 people in attendance at the award luncheon,” Councilor Ford said. “You’re right; we have a lot of good agencies that benefit from the United Way—Broken Arrow Neighbors, Broken Arrow Seniors, A New Leaf, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, Youth Services of Tulsa, and LIFE Senior Services.”
In 2024, City employees increased their total fundraising drive contributions by 11 percent over 2023.
City employees also participate in the annual Day of Caring event by volunteering and engaging in community service. In 2024, they painted the interior of the Broken Arrow Senior Center, including the front hallway and a large multi-purpose room. Additionally, they cleaned carpets in several rooms and prepared transitional bags for Broken Arrow Neighbors clients who lack access to a stove or microwave.
Members of the Employee Events Committee— Amanda Watkins, Matthew Aldrich, Kaci Barnett, Edith Finnell, Kimberle Goldsmith, Leann Leiker, Shari Michalski, Makala Neeley, Morgan Neeley, Cheryl Owens, Kyle Parks, Tracie Sanchez, Lori Hill and Jamie Stafford organized the Day of Caring events and got an early start on the fundraising campaign.
They made giving easy with an online donation center, hosted a bowl-a-thon, organized a gift basket auction with items donated by department employees, and coordinated a chili cookoff.
The United Way commended the City of Broken Arrow for valuing the importance of the United Way’s mission and its nonprofit partners endeavoring to improve the lives of neighbors in need.
 Pictured from left, Councilor David Pickel, Pierce Norton, President/CEO of ONEOK, Stephanie Grober, President of Oklahoma Plan and Western Markets with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Emeka Nnaka, Founder and CEO of Live Beyond Labels, Alison Anthony, President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way, Vice Mayor Johnnie Parks, and Councilor Lisa Ford.
|
