Sparkle And Shine
UNITED WAY
If you were anywhere around Ardmore last weekend, you probably heard about the United Way BBQ Showdown. And if you were there, you know this fundraiser has become a pretty big deal!
But here's something I think is worth remembering: United Way of South Central Oklahoma isn't just serving Ardmore.
United Way supports 36 partner agencies and 54 programs across five counties: Carter, Johnston, Love, Marshall and Murray.
That means when you give to United Way, your generosity can reach a child in Love County, a family in Murray County, a neighbor in Johnston County or someone right here in Carter County. That's exactly what I love about it.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Bryce Chitwood and his team, United Way works to connect local generosity with real needs from healthy communities and youth opportunity to financial security and community resiliency.
So, kudos to everyone who cooked, volunteered, sponsored, attended or simply gave.
When Southern Oklahoma comes together, good things happen.
MURRAY MARKET: SMALL BUSINESSES START SMALL
I love seeing something like the Murray Market take root.
Every Saturday during the market season, local farmers, makers and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to put their products in front of their neighbors: fresh produce, homemade breads, candles, crafts and all kinds of things made right here at home.
But I think there's something even bigger happening here. Murray State College has an opportunity to help turn someone's little idea into something bigger. Maybe you start by selling a few loaves of bread or something you make at your kitchen table. With the right encouragement, resources and business guidance, that little idea might become a real business.
That's economic development, too.
So grab your reusable bags, bring a little cash and go see what's being made and grown by your neighbors. Shopping a local market isn't just buying something. It's investing in somebody's dream.
https://www.facebook.com/murraymarket
ARDMORE ANIMAL SHELTER OF Southern Oklahoma
Everybody loves the Ardmore Animal Shelter for good reason. The shelter takes in thousands of animals each year and relies heavily on donations, volunteers, fosters and adopters to keep doing its lifesaving work. August is CLEAR the SHELTER month. So if you’ve been considering a new family member, now is the time!
Also right now, there's an especially good way to help: new kennels are coming! The shelter is working to update housing for its canine residents with safer, more comfortable kennels, and donations are helping make that possible.
Of course, you can always adopt, foster, volunteer or donate supplies, too.
And if you aren't ready for any of those things? Follow their Facebook page. You never know when the next picture of a sweet face might convince you that you need one more member of the family.
A little love can change an animal's whole life.
