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ENID, OK - Leadership Greater Enid Class XXVIII has some big announcements at their graduation celebration on Thursday night. They exceeded their initial fundraising goal of $20,000 needed to replace the fibar ground cover and repair the Tot Lot at Leonardo’s Adventure Quest. The class raised more than $24,000 through sponsorships and team signups for the benefit golf tournament.
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“Our class really came together to hit our goal and I am proud to say that we have now exceeded it,” said Sally Ramey, Class Project Committee Chair. “It has been an incredible opportunity to give back to an organization like Leonardo’s that provides several opportunities for youth in the area.”
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The class presented a check for $24,467 to Leonardo's Executive Director, Tracy Bittle. They are planning to host a community work day in May to spread the fibar and work on improvements in the Tot Lot.
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Each LGE Class is required to select and participate in a community service project. This year’s class chose to partner with Leonardo’s after visiting the facility and witnessing firsthand the needs of the organization.
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Leadership Greater Enid then announced the organization will be forming its own 501(c)(3) and operating independently. The group was previously associated with the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce.
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The transition was formally announced during Leadership Greater Enid’s Class Celebration. The board of directors believe the move is the right decision for the organization due to tremendous growth over the past five years.
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“This is a major milestone for our organization and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Shelby Unruh, LGE President. “Our organization has continued to expand our reach in the community and operating as our own 501(c)(3) will give us even more opportunities to better serve the growing area.”
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The program is entering its 29th year in the community and has made numerous changes since it was established in 1990.
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“The board has changed the program from half day to full day sessions, added leadership development curriculum for both the class members and alumni, and raised several thousand dollars for local organizations through the annual class project,” said Unruh. “Our alumni have taken on numerous leadership positions and created a strong advocacy presence in the greater Enid community.”
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Each year, the selected class participates in a two-day orientation and teambuilding session, 8 full-day sessions including a leadership development component and graduation. The LGE Leadership Series was also added this year, offering LGE alumni a chance to hear three professional speakers. This year’s events included speakers Burns Hargis, Korey McMahon and John O’Leary with over 100 attendees.
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The class projects and their impact have also continued to grow, with an estimated $100,000 raised for local organizations over the past five years. Organizations impacted from these projects include Garfield County Child Advocacy Center, Enid Public Schools Middle Schools, Hope Outreach, Youth and Family Services, Booker T. Washington Community Center and Leonardo’s Adventure Quest.
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The board also expressed its appreciation for the support of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce.
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“We are extremely grateful for the support the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce has provided our organization in the past,” said Unruh. “LGE would not be what it is today without the Chamber’s help.”
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Applications for Class XXIX will be released in late June.
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Through the LGE program, Enid area residents who have demonstrated an interest in local issues are selected, challenged and educated through a series of issue-oriented forums and experiences. The program was established in 1990 and is based upon the belief that knowledge is a key element and a prime motivator of leadership.
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The vision of Leadership Greater Enid is inspiring today’s leaders for tomorrow, preparing tomorrow’s leaders for today. The mission of LGE is to foster civic engagement, build professional relationships and engage leaders to inspire a collective purpose in our community. For more information about Leadership Greater Enid, contact leadershipgreaterenid@gmail.com.
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LGE Makes Big Announcements
