United Way names award recipients
Cold has ramped up need, CEO says
There is still time to donate to the United Way’s annual campaign, which will end Jan. 26. The bitterly cold weather in recent weeks has added to the needs, said United Way of Central Oklahoma CEO Debby Hampton.
“There’s just these constant needs,” Hampton said. “Truly, we’ve had emergency needs of our homeless population, having to shelter close to 200 additional homeless. The needs are great, and a lot of times that comes at a cost . ... That’s where United Way steps in and helps.”
The United Way of Central Oklahoma will honor community leaders who give of their time, resources and efforts at its annual Snowflake Gala on Friday evening, Jan. 26, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Tim O’Connor, public relations representative at American Income Life Insurance Co., and president of the Central Oklahoma Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. According to the United Way, this award recognizes those who share Ackerman’s tireless efforts and devotion to the United Way mission and set the standard for volunteering, leadership and caring. O’Connor has been involved with the United Way for decades and served in leadership roles since 1992. He currently serves on the board and the campaign cabinet.
Another honoree at the gala is Polly Nichols, community volunteer. She is the recipient of the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rexes’ vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. Nichols’ involvement in the community is vast, working with more than 25 nonprofit organizations over the years. Polly and her husband, Larry, were the first couple to
chair the United Way’s annual campaign and she serves as a trustee on the United Way board.
Judy Love, business leader and philanthropist, is the recipient of the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have a lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership and philanthropy not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. Love has served on the boards of 18 Oklahoma City-based nonprofits. Love served as campaign co-chairman in 2015 of the United Way of Central Oklahoma and is a founding member and current co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Society.
“We are truly honoring three of our community’s best this year, I cannot think of three more deserving honorees,” Hampton said in a news release. “We commend them for their outstanding commitment to strengthening our community and appreciate all the ways they have impacted and contributed to United Way, our Partner Agencies and our community. Their work is so inspiring.”
To make a contribution to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, visit UnitedWayOKC.org or text UWCO to 91999.
For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call 405-236-8441.