It's 1:30 a.m. and Super Target's night stockers are busy replenishing the massive store's shelves after a busy day of shopping. They take a break long enough to listen as two business leaders make their case encouraging workers to invest in Norman's United Way campaign.
"We'll go talk to anyone, at any time, anywhere," says Jim Wade, a longtime Norman banker. He co-chairs this year's campaign with local business leader Randy Laffoon. Both had chaired the drive individually in previous years.
Together, they've made about 80 presentations to workers, civic clubs and anyone who will sit still long enough to listen. Before the drive ends next month, they will have talked to more than 100 groups. Sometimes, the audience numbers five. Other times, it's in the hundreds.
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Lately, their message contains an air of concern. The $2.15 million drive to fund 36 programs at 23 non-profit agencies is running behind. Fewer donors. Smaller gifts. Fewer corporate gifts. Some companies put off drives when the campaign format changed.
"The biggest thing we know is we need more givers. We need to broaden our base," says Laffoon, a veteran fundraiser for local projects. "I've worked a lot of campaigns in Norman and I am more concerned about this one than any other one I've been involved in."
Two of the last three drives and five of the last 10 have fallen short of goal. Last year, $1.9 million was pledged towards a goal of $2.1 million. Reserves have helped shore up the agency funding but those have run dry. Leadership donors -- those who donate $500 or more -- are down by about 200.
The pair's challenge is to convince Norman residents of the drive's mission and effectiveness in serving social service needs.
"The United Way is the most effective and efficient way to raise money to meet the needs of our children, our families and our senior citizens," says Wade.
Commuters -- estimated to be more than a third of our workforce -- often donate where they work and neglect to designate contributions to Norman's drive.
If they ever need agency services, those workers and their families will most likely seek them out locally.
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OU's drive makes up about 10 percent of the campaign goal. It is headed this year by Price College of Business Dean Ken Evans and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione. That drive wraps up this week.
"Joe and Ken have done an extraordinary job of raising awareness this year," Wade said. "More people are getting involved."
They added an online auction this year with some athletic items. Gamma Phi Beta sorority will host its chili cook-off Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the sorority house, 1105 College.
Elsewhere, the annual Celebrity Sing is scheduled for Nov. 13 at Riverwind Casino. A victory luncheon is scheduled in December at Embassy Suites. Big Red Sports and Imports is again donating a Kia Spectra to the campaign. Donors who pledge at least $1 a week -- $52 total -- get a chance to win the new car. Donations can be made online at www.unitedwaynorman.com or by calling the agency at 329-2025.
Wade is optimistic the drive will be successful. But it'll take a community wide effort. No gifts are too small to make a difference in making goal.
"We're doing this for the kids at Mary Abbott House or the seniors that get Meals on Wheels. We're ding this for the right reason," says Wade. "Any time that there has been an emergency or a real need in the community, Norman comes through. This is just a very caring town. We're very responsive."
Andy Rieger editor@normantranscript.com 366-3543
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Chairs concerned as United Way nears campaign's end
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