Senate staff raises money for local charities

The Oklahoma State Senate staff and legislators raised nearly $10,600 throughout October between their United Way State Charitable Campaign and a special fundraiser to benefit the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank – a remarkable accomplishment for one of Oklahoma’s smaller agencies with just over 100 employees.      

Senate Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said he was touched and humbled by the Senate employees’ generosity.

“We are a small agency, so to be able to raise over $10,000 was a huge accomplishment and speaks to the tremendous kindness and generosity of our staff,” said Bingman.  “Whenever there is a need in our community, the giving spirit of our staff always shines through.  This is a wonderful group of people.”

The agency raised funds from October 1st-31st.  Fundraising events included a pizza luncheon, a chili cook-off, various office-themed sporting events, jeans days, a bake sale and other activities – many of which were held during the lunch hour.  Altogether, the agency, which has 104 full time employees, raised just under $8,000 for the SCC – a 10 percent increase from last year.

Since the Senate completed their fundraising by October 31, the agency has been named as an Early Bird Participant by the United Way and will be recognized, along with other agencies that completed their campaigns early, for their efforts to help Oklahoma nonprofits at a special celebration Wednesday night.

The agency also raised just over $2,600 in additional funds last month that will be donated directly to the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank.

These funds will help provide nearly 13,150 meals for Oklahoma families. Senate staff will hold a Thanksgiving fundraising luncheon at the end of the month and then all the funds will be given to the food bank.