Tulsa, OK
TTCU The Credit Union announced on Thursday a
$1 million pledge match to benefit school districts in its service areas in northeast Oklahoma. At the same time, TTCU announced the launch of
SOS Support Our Schools, a major matching pledge fundraising effort to raise significant funds for Tulsa area school districts.
The campaign goal is $4 million. To date, campaign supporters collectively have pledged to match community donations up to $1.5 million. As part of the $1.5 already committed, three major Tulsa-based foundations - George Kaiser Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation collectively have pledged to support the campaign with up to $500,000. Other donors committing to the project include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and American Airlines.
The announcements came at a joint news conference where TTCU President and CEO Tim Lyons, was joined by Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Deborah Gist; Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall; and Managing Director, Aircraft Overhaul and Maintenance at American Airlines, Mark Easton.
The pledges and campaign are in response to the state funding shortfall gripping schools across Oklahoma.
"TTCU has been serving schools for more than 80 years," said Lyons. "We are stepping up to say we will help, and we hope that our challenge pledge serves as a catalyst for the business community and individuals to join us in this effort to support area schools."
Statewide, Oklahoma school districts are facing a $60 million shortfall. The shortfall for Tulsa area schools alone accounts for more than $6 million. The same shortfall, plus additional cuts, will impact school districts again next year.
"We cant solve the problem," Lyons said. "Thats the legislatures responsibility. But we believe our local philanthropic, business and individual resources can provide a vital bridge until a more permanent solution is implemented at the state level."
Echoing Lyons remarks, Dr. Deborah Gist, Superintendent Tulsa Public Schools said, "We are so grateful for TTCUs continued commitment to helping to create bright futures for Tulsa children. In these challenging financial times, it is critical that we come together to work in the best interests of our students. TTCUs SOS - Support Our Schools Campaign is an opportunity for Tulsans to invest in great teaching and learning; donating much needed funds to offset cuts in state aid. The future of our state will be shaped by what we do today to provide a world-class education for our students, and I am thankful that Tulsas community leaders are such strong advocates for our students, teachers and families."
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has pledged $25,000 to SOS Support Our Schools. "We are committed to investing in programs that enrich the health, well-being and quality of life for Oklahoma children and families, including programs that focus on strengthening our education system," said Ted Haynes, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. "We are proud to support Tulsa Public Schools and TTCU The Credit Union through the SOS Support Our Schools initiative. Together, we can help make Tulsa a better place to live, work and raise a family, and it starts with a strong educational foundation."
Donations are being collected through Tulsa Community Foundations online giving site. Those who donate to the SOS Support Our Schools fund can specify the schools they wish to receive their donations, or can contribute to a general fund that will be apportioned to the 15 largest school districts in the Tulsa area based on enrollment. All donations to the campaign are tax deductible.
For online giving:
www.TulsaCF.org or at
www.ttcu.com which has additional information and a link to the Tulsa Community Foundation website.
To make a donation in person:
Visit any TTCU location. Branch location information is available at
www.ttcu.com.
Checks should be made payable to: Tulsa Community Foundation, with memo to "SOS Fund" and a designation of the school district to receive the funds.
About TTCU The Credit Union
TTCU is the largest state-chartered credit union in Oklahoma with sixteen branches: five in Tulsa, two in Broken Arrow and Tahlequah, one �each in Bixby, Jenks, Claremore, Miami, Muskogee, Owasso and Sapulpa. Established in 1934, TTCU The Credit Union, is a $1.6 billion credit union serving nearly 120,000 members who are educationally affiliated, including students and their families as well as hundreds of Select Employee Groups in NE Oklahoma with a full complement of depository, lending and financial advisory services. TTCU is federally insured by the NCUA.
