Senate honors Tulsa Area United Way centennial

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, and Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, helped pay tribute to the Tulsa Area United Way’s 100^th Anniversary, honoring the organization during a presentation in the Oklahoma Senate Chamber on Tuesday.

Matthews said he’d worked with Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) during his career with the Tulsa Fire Department and as a member of the Senate and was extremely proud to help celebrate their centennial.

“I can personally attest to the good work Tulsa Area United Way does, helping children, families, and senior citizens, strengthening communities and lifting up some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Matthews said. “For 100 years, their efforts have made a positive difference in the lives of countless Oklahomans. We are blessed by their work and offer our sincere congratulations and thanks as they begin their next 100 years.”

“As the Tulsa Area United Way celebrates its 100th anniversary, I extend my congratulations to this remarkable organization. Their unwavering commitment to serving those in need is truly commendable,” Haste said. “I am grateful for their dedication and tireless efforts, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will continue to have on our community for many years to come.”

Alison Anthony, TAUW CEO, thanked the Senate for its recognition of their service and for helping celebrate their 100^th anniversary. She noted that even though Tulsa is ranked 76^th in the nation in size, their United Way raises the 12^th largest amount of money in the country, providing funding to a wide range of nonprofit organizations helping Oklahomans in need.

“A hundred years ago, business leaders in this community came together and said we can raise money smarter, more effectively, and invest it better by raising money in our businesses and funding nonprofits that are vetted and cared for and making great results for our community,” Anthony said. “They raised $238,000 in 1924 to fund 11 organizations, six of whom we still fund today. Now, we raise more than $25 million dollars, $25.8 last year, in service to 160 programs in this state.”

To view the full Senate presentation, go to oksenate.gov, select Live Proceedings, then go to the Calendar-Day/Month for the Tuesday, April 2 Legislative Session.

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CUTLINE:  Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) honored by the Oklahoma Senate as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary. Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, and Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, presented a citation to representatives of TAUW, including CEO Alison Anthony. Members of United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO), including CEO Rachel Holt, were also present for the ceremony.

For more information, contact:  
Sen. Matthews at 918-955-2283 or Kevin.Matthews@oksenate.gov.
Sen. John Haste at 405-521-5602 or email John.Haste@oksenate.gov.