Jeff Cowan, 2009 United Way of Ponca City board president welcomed over 65 guests to the 71st United Way annual meeting and awards celebration held at the Ponca City Country Club on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Cowan acknowledged the 14 member agencies, their guests and the United Way team, which includes United Way sponsored programs. Special guests attending were Senator David Myers, UW Key Club Members and many community partners.
Mark Detten, 2009-2010 campaign chair, reported to those assembled that $680,288 was raised and allocated to member agencies, initiatives, and the United Way office. Those recognized and receiving awards for their volunteer service included cabinet members, Deb Altman, Katy Muller, Dawn Brakey, Larry Murphy, Kim Hess, Amy McAnally, Chief Butch Herring, Dr. Nancy Niemann, Steve Wood, Courtney Baugher, Fred and Fran Clarke and Pat Mulligan. Loaned executives recognized included Joe DeNoya, Aaron McKinley, Jacque Clark, Teresa Smith, Dawn Brakey and Bobby Potter.
The Friend of United Way award was given to the Kay County Health Department for donating office space to Smart Start Kay County for the past 10 years. Office manager Pam Payne and Dr. Liz Petrin accepted the award on their behalf.
Mark Detten, Eastman National Bank, who led this year’s campaign, has moved into the presidency for 2010. Pat Mulligan, Wells Fargo Advisors will chair the 2010 campaign. Donna Trewitt, Pioneer Equipment Rental will continue to serve as Treasurer, Rhonda Stolhand, Stolhand Heating & Air as chairperson of the Admissions and Allocation Committee and Amy McAnally, KTEW Channel 20 will continue as Public Relations chairman. Jeff Cowan, RCB Bank/Pioneer remains on the executive committee as past president.
Newly elected members of the board of directors are: Christy Biby-Eastman National Bank, Terri Busch-CableOne, Carla Hobbs-Ponca City Medical Center, Mary Beth Moore-OSU/UML and Carlos Centurion-ConocoPhillips. Other members continuing on the board include: Jim Cochran-Ponca Plaza, Ltd., Joe DeNoya-Pemberton Chevrolet, Shelley Arrott-Union Elementary, Heather Cannon-Cannon Honda, Jodi Cline- Edward Jones, Court Davis-First National Bank of Oklahoma, Sandy James-OSU/UML, Steve Wood- ConocoPhillips, Linus Schmitz-retired, John Rhyne-PC Fire Dept., Lyndsey Silvis-UPS, Steve Tiger-Pioneer Technology Center, Michelle Carter-RCB Bank/Pioneer and Sarah Mader-Wal-Mart.
Outgoing board members honored included: Audrey Allen, Rick Hughes, Keni Ray and Jeanne Stara
United Way helps support the following member agencies and initiatives: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts Cimarron Council, Child Development Center, Community Development Support Association-211, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, RSVP, The Salvation Army, Smart Start Kay County and the YMCA. These agencies and initiatives provide vital services to our community and your investment enable these agencies to continue quality services to all Ponca Citians.
The United Way of Ponca City board of directors meets at noon, the second Tuesday of the month at the United Way office and all meetings are open to the public. For more information on becoming a member of the board, committee member or campaign volunteer, call 765-2476.