of the Tulsa Area United WayAlexis de Tocqueville Society

Alexis de TocquevilleSociety

1430 S. Boulder, P.O. Box 1859 • Tulsa, OK 74101 • 918-583-7171 • www.tauw.org

UPDATE:IMPACT TULSACommunity Collaboration

Impact Tulsa Focuses on Third-Grade Reading

Children typically learn to read from kindergarten through the third grade. But after third grade, they’re reading to learn.

“Third-grade reading is a major milestone in a young person’s education,” said Mark Graham, President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way.

Third graders behind in reading are unlikely to catch up to their peers, and are four times more likely to drop out of high school, he added.

Recent research conducted by Impact Tulsa revealed that 55 percent of Tulsa area third graders cannot read at grade level. And low income students in the Tulsa area are one full grade level behind their more affl uent peers.

Impact Tulsa is a community-wide coalition to improve the achievement of students in our public schools, focusing on fi ve key points in a child’s education: kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading, eighth-grade math, high school graduation, and entry and completion of postsecondary programs.

The organization’s fi rst goal: to increase reading profi ciency by 10 percent by 2019.

UPDATE:T-TOWN TACOSSocial Innovation Grant

T-Town Tacos a Major Success

T-Town Tacos takes formerly homeless and troubled youth and transforms them into entrepreneurs, ready for their fi rst jobs.

Youth Services of Tulsa employs graduates of its Culinary Trade Program to prepare and sell breakfast tacos via bicycle-powered food carts in the downtown area. The project is in cooperation with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

The taco bikes are positioned at different locations in downtown Tulsa each morning. On Thursday mornings, they can be found in front of the offi ces of the Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder Ave.

Downtown workers line up for tacos on many mornings, and the project has begun a catering service for corporate events.

“We recently sold more than 1,000 tacos at the United Way campaign kick-off event at the T.D. Williamson company,” said Wes Rose, program coordinator. “The program has been a major success.”

Wine Dinner at the BradshawsMarla and Steve are also opening their home for a special evening of gourmet food and special wines. Chef James Shrader from Palace Cafe has created a fabulous tasting menu to comple-ment library release wines from Chateau Mon-telana, located in Calistoga, California. Brian Baker, National Sales Director, will be on hand to describe the special, aged wines.

Fashion Show in New YorkTh e Live Auction also will include an opportu-nity to be among the fi rst to view the Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2017 Collection at his runway show during Fashion Week in New York. Th is February experience includes round-trip airfare, three nights at one of the city’s leading hotels, and a private driver to and from the runway show. Th e package also features two tickets to Broadway’s latest sensation “Waitress.”

Canyon Ranch Weekend in Las Vegas Tocqueville members also will have a chance to escape for a weekend of relaxation at the new Canyon Ranch Spa Club in Las Vegas. Th is package includes two nights at the luxurious Palazzo, full Canyon Ranch spa access for two, two Canyon Ranch massages, two spa mani-cures, two facials, and a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at Nobu at Caesar’s Palace.

Pick Your Destination! Pick your ocean! Th is exciting auction item will allow Tocqueville members to choose from get-aways at seven spectacular ocean side homes in Bali, St. Th omas or Costa Rica. Th e homes can accommodate up to fi ve couples or 10 people and off er every amenity you can imagine.

Auction Continued from pg. 1

Narciso Rodriguez

Emmy AwardsFinally, this is your opportunity to brush elbows with the stars at the 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards in Hollywood. You’ll receive two seats in the coveted mezzanine level, three nights at one of LA’s top hotels, a $750 air travel voucher, and a private driver to deliver you to the red carpet. Primetime Emmy Awards

TULSA AREA UNITED WAY | FALL 2016

Gathering in the city’s most fascinating homes – whether historic, modern or somewhere in between – is a Tocqueville tradition. Th is year is no exception.

“Th is is one of the most exceptional homes I’ve had the privilege to visit,” said Stacey Wyett, 2016 Co-Chair of the Alexis de Tocqueville So-ciety, along with her husband Steve Wyett.

She’s referring to the home of Marla and Steve Bradshaw, Tocqueville members and Co-Chairs of this year’s United Way campaign.

Tocqueville members will gather at the Brad-shaw home for their Annual Fall Reception from 5:30 -7 p.m. on Th ursday, Sept. 22.

Fall Reception Sept. 22 at Homeof Marla & Steve Bradshaw

Auction “Wow” Factor Assured

Message from the Co-Chairs

INSIDE: Trailblazers Off to Strong Start

Impact Tulsa andT-Town Tacos

Alexis de Tocqueville Society

Th e interior of the home was recently designed by Christopher Murphy, a Tocqueville member and leading designer in the region.

“Each room is a work of art,” says Stacey Wyett. “We are so grateful to the Bradshaws for agree-ing to open this spectacular home to the Toc-queville Society.”

In the past few years, Tocqueville members have crossed the thresholds of the historic Skel-ly Mansion, the modern masterpiece of Kayla and Steve Vaughn, and the elegant and inviting home of Susan and Bill Th omas.

To RSVP, contact Laura Bell at lbell@tauw.org or 918-295-6618.

Tulsa Area United WayAlexis de Tocqueville SocietyFall Reception

5:30-7 p.m.Thursday, September 22

Home of Marla and Steve Bradshaw4011 S. Yorktown Place

RSVP lbell@tauw.org or 918-295-6618

Expertly curated experiences at top destinations around the world will highlight the Live Auc-tion at this year’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Fall Reception on Sept. 22.

Th e reception will be held at the home of Marla and Steve Bradshaw.

Wine Country at Its FinestTh e Bradshaws have generously arranged for two of this year’s auction packages, including a unique wine country vacation at Calistoga Ranch, one of the most luxurious resorts in Napa Valley.

Up to four people will enjoy three nights in a private lodge that features two master suites,

full kitchen, and indoor and outdoor living and dining, all in a secluded mountain setting. En-joy the private restaurant exclusive for Calistoga Ranch guests and relax at the Ranch Spa, often cited as one of California’s fi nest. Explore wine country with a driver for a day, including a pri-vate tasting at Constant Winery, a spectacular set-ting at the top of beautiful Diamond Mountain.

See “Auction” on page 4

Calistoga Ranch

FALL 2016 | TULSA AREA UNITED WAY

Remember, Tocqueville support comprises almost one-fi fth of the entire United Way campaign.

Th is year, your gift and consideration of increasing your support have never been more important.

We’d like to thank you for your commitment, and look forward to seeing you at our annual Fall Reception on Sept. 22.

With warmest regards,Stacey and Steve Wyett

page twoIt has never been more important for us all to come together to support the Tulsa Area United Way.

Why?

We’d like to off er several reasons.

First, our 60 partner agencies are experiencing a higher demand for services. Simply put, more of our friends and neighbors need help to get by.

Secondly, many of our agencies receive state funding and those allocations were deeply cut during this year’s legislative session.

And fi nally, although the local economy is faring well, the unemployment rate in Tulsa County has increased, and several sectors of the economy are still fl agging, including energy and manufacturing.

To meet these challenges, the number of Trailblazers – companies and organizations that conduct early summer campaigns and pledge to increase their support over last

Time for Us All to Come Together: A Message from the Co-Chairsyear – has more than doubled. In addition, members of our Board of Directors and Campaign Cabinet will strive to reach a 100 percent level of participation through an “early launch” initiative.

As you can see, all of us are coming together to ensure this year’s campaign is successful.

We would like to invite all Tocqueville members to renew their pledges early this year. In addition, we challenge members to do their part by increasing their support by 10 percent or more.

We realize this is a signifi cant level of support, but we also understand that meeting the needs of our community will take all of us coming together.

We strongly encourage you to tell your friends and families about the Tocqueville Society and invite them to join us this year.

One of our goals is to increase the size of the organization by 30 new members.

A record 26 Tulsa area employers conducted early fundraising campaigns this summer on behalf of the Tulsa Area United Way. Known as “Trailblazers,” these companies and organizations began their campaigns in advance of the city-wide United Way campaign, which will kick off on Sept. 9 and run through Nov. 10.

“This year, we have more than double the number of Trailblazers that we’ve had in previous years,” said Mark Graham, President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. “Expanding the number of Trailblazers will get us off to a strong start and help invigorate this year’s campaign.”

The early Trailblazer campaign was offi cially launched in July at a reception at Oklahoma Joe’s restaurant in Tulsa. The summer fundraising goal for the companies was set at $3.5 million, also a record in Trailblazer history. However, enthusiasm of the crowd led to an increased goal of $3.6 million.

“As Trailblazers, these companies and organizations are truly blazing a trail and providing an example to those that will conduct United Way campaigns this fall,” said Marla Bradshaw, Community Advocate and co-chair of the campaign along with her husband Steve Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bank of Oklahoma.

“We are excited to assemble such an impressive group of Trailblazer companies this year, and their early leadership will be vital to a successful campaign to meet community need,” said Steve Bradshaw.

Trailblazers Get Campaign Off to Strong StartTrailblazer companies agree to conduct “model” campaigns, following certain best practices prescribed by the United Way, Graham said. They also challenge themselves to signifi cantly increase their campaigns over last year.

This year’s Trailblazers include Bank of Oklahoma, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cyntergy, Cypress Energy, Deloitte, DVIS, Ernst and Young, Explorer Pipeline, First Oklahoma Bank, Frederic Dorwart Lawyers, Hogan Assessments, Eide Bailly, Hogan Taylor, Holly Frontier Refi nery, Macy’s, Mazzio’s Corporation, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, ONE Gas, Propeller Communications, PSO, Southwestern Payroll Services, Senior Star, TTCU The Credit Union, LUXA Enterprises, Switchgear Recruiting and the YMCA of Greater Tulsa.

The Trailblazers will announce the results of their campaigns at the annual Day of Caring breakfast and program at 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Expo Square. Tocqueville members are invited to attend.

TULSA AREA UNITED WAY | FALL 2016

Bill and Susan ThomasKip and Gail Richards

Susan Crenshaw, Nicole Watts and Wendy Drummond

Debbie and Greg SaundersBethany and Tony Lenox

Rob and Mary Martinovich

portfolioportfolioGlimpse into a New Century Workplace

Brian and Linda Bourgeois

Janet Selser and Robert Shaefer

Barbara Merrill, Jim Holloway and David Merrill

Ben Stewart, Steve Bradshaw andChris Murphy

Amanda and Heath Bringham

Tocqueville members and guests recently received a glimpse into one of Tulsa’s newest and most interesting corporate headquarters. Th e spring reception of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society was held at the new home of Hogan Assessments in the East Village in downtown Tulsa. More than 100 Tocqueville members toured the facility and helped kick off the 2016 Tulsa Area United Way campaign for the community.