OMRF is one of two dozen Oklahoma organizations that are now finalists for a $10,000 award and the title of the state’s top nonprofit, thanks to the prestigious Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards, annually presented by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
“We are delighted to be in the company of so many other wonderful Oklahoma nonprofits who’ve been nominated along with us,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “OMRF works hard to be a good citizen as well as a leader in research excellence. It means a lot to us to be singled out for this honor.”
On April 9, 2016, the finalists will join supporters at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Country Club to celebrate and hear the announcement of winners. Finalists are divided into eight mission categories and receive $5,000, with category winners receiving $7,500. At the end of the evening, an overall winner receives $10,000 and the title of the top nonprofit in the state. In total, organizations receive almost $150,000 to recognize the impact of their charitable work throughout the state. In 2014, the Center awarded the $1 millionth dollar to the sector. Since our first event, the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has given away $1,215,000.00 to Oklahoma nonprofits.
“Now in its 70th year, OMRF strives to be recognized as ‘Oklahoma’s’ medical research foundation,” said OMRF Vice President of Development Penny Voss. “This ONE Award nomination will help us spread the word about our mission and how the work our scientists do helps people in our state and around the world.”
Out of approximately 18,000 nonprofits statewide, only 24 were named finalists.
Awards are presented in the following eight categories:
• Arts and Humanities
• Community
• Education
• Health Services
• Self-Sufficiency
• Seniors
• Youth Development
• Open
The ONE Awards Selection Commission, a group of prestigious community leaders from across Oklahoma, determine the finalists. The Commission, chaired by David Hogan, includes, Kathie Coyle, Nance Diamond, J. Jerry Dickman, Frederick F. Drummond, Ken Fergeson, Kim Henry, Phil Lakin, Jr., Frank Merrick, Polly Nichols, Meg Salyer, and Wendi Schuur.
“The finalists are selected because they are the best of the best at what they do,” Hogan said. “From the top level of management down to the part time staff, these are committed individuals pulling together to achieve missions as big as Oklahoma.”
To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information for the 2016 ONE Awards, please call (800) 338-1798.
