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Articles by Dan Schiedel
Donations invest in Northwest Oklahoma's future
As United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma works toward our ambitious 2026 Red Feather Campaign goal of $1.5 million, one question comes up often: Where does the money go? Schiedel is CEO of United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma.
United Way continues its mission
United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma is celebrating a historic milestone in 2026, our 100th anniversary of serving Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. This centennial year honors a legacy of community impact while looking boldly toward the future. For a century, United Way has united people, resources and partner agencies to meet local needs and strengthen our community. Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads | news and sports emails.
Join United Way's efforts in 2026
Wow, Enid, you blew us away, AGAIN. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our incredible community, United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma not only reached our $1 million goal for 2025 but also surpassed it by more than $20,000. That kind of support is humbling and inspiring. It's proof of what's possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads | news and sports emails.
Look after one another this holiday season
As Thanksgiving draws near, we're reminded of the heart of our mission at United Way. This season calls us to refocus on one of our greatest priorities - strengthening community resiliency for every neighbor we serve. True community resilience grows where people choose to support one another. That support is expressed in many ways, but it is always nurtured by a thankful heart, a grateful spirit, and a humble posture of service.
United Way, partners working to keep people fed
We've been busy here at United Way. We recently enjoyed a fantastic 38th annual Chili Cook-Off, and we want to thank everyone who came out to support this event. Your participation helps fuel programs that make a real difference in our community. Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads | news and sports emails. Schiedel is CEO and executive director of United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma.
COLUMN: Make this time a summer of service
As the days grow longer and the school year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reconnect and recommit to building a stronger community. This summer, we invite you to make service part of your story. Whether it’s mentoring youth, stocking shelves at a local food pantry or lending a hand at a shelter, your time and talents matter. Volunteering with one of our incredible partner agencies is a powerful way to uplift our neighbors.
COLUMN: Continue to give back to community
As spring brings new life to our community, the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is inviting our neighbors to step outside, lend a hand and make a difference. This season, while we observe nature blooming, let’s also view it as a time to grow stronger together through service, compassion and community spirit. We recently held our annual meeting, a meaningful event that showcased the remarkable contributions of our donors, volunteers and partner organizations over the past year.
COLUMN: Invest in community by paying it forward
One of the key pillars of the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is community resiliency. We believe that the strength of a community lies in its ability to adapt, grow and support each other through challenges. That’s why we focus on community health, which includes many aspects — physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Healthy communities are strengthened through the collective efforts of individuals who care about the well-being of others.
COLUMN: United Way moves forward with refreshed goals
As we step into 2025, the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is full of gratitude and anticipation. We are humbled to serve such a generous community. Thanks to you, we wrapped up 2024 with a celebration of $1,131,000 raised. We enter the new year with refreshed goals, as we work to bring people together and improve lives through the four pillars of a Thriving United Way: A Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. kAmp 962=E9:6C 4@>>F?:EJ :?
COLUMN: Help United Way make $1 million goal
As we wrap up another year, United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is celebrating the generosity that has brought us close to our $1 million campaign goal. Thanks to you — our donors and supporters — we are just $100,000 away from achieving this milestone. Your contributions make a significant impact on health, education and economic stability in Northwest Oklahoma.
COLUMN: More than 90 years of impact and hope with United Way of Northwest Oklahoma
This year marks a significant milestone for the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma as we proudly celebrate over 90 years of impact and hope in our community. We have been a cornerstone of philanthropy, driving positive change and supporting those in need across Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. To commemorate this incredible journey, we are thrilled to invite you to our "Dressed to the Nines" Gala on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom.
COLUMN: United Way of Northwest Oklahoma celebrating more than 90 years of impact and hope
This year marks a significant milestone for the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma as we proudly celebrate more than 90 years of impact and hope in our community. We have been a cornerstone of philanthropy, driving positive change and supporting those in need across Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. To commemorate this incredible journey, we are thrilled to invite you to our Dressed to the Nines Gala Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom.
COLUMN: Wanted: $1 million for human services
Last month, we officially announced our 2024 campaign goal of $1 million. This year, our friends Mike and Kelley Wright will be leading the charge to grow our United Way into a transformational changemaker for the community. And, Mike has already pledged $90,000 in partnership with a number of Edward Jones representatives in honor of 90 years of United Way impact and hope.
COLUMN: Partners in annual campaign worth a million bucks
Last week, the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma officially announced its 2024 campaign goal of $1 million! This year, our friends Mike and Kelley Wright will lead the charge to grow our United Way into a transformational changemaker for the community. And, Mike already has pledged $90,000 in partnership with a number of Edward Jones representatives in honor of 90 years of impact and hope.
COLUMN: NextGen promotes new civic leaders
If you’ve been keeping up with the news, we have a lot of new individuals taking on leadership roles locally and in the state. I am thrilled to see our next generation of leaders digging in, stepping up and making a major difference. Their tenacity and grit are unmatched – and they’re keeping me and some of us more seasoned in the community on our toes.
COLUMN: Spring brings growing activities, events
A lot of people or organizations send out “Save the Date” cards to announce a coming event. We have so much happening with the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma that you’ll want to save the date, date, date, date. Yes, spring is here and the community is buzzing. With warmer weather (and getting back to severe storm alerts), spring is alive and well in Northwest Oklahoma, and it’s showing up before the official calendar date! And with that, we are back in the swing of community and family events.
COLUMN: Spring brings growing activities, events
A lot of people or organizations send out “Save the Date” cards to announce a coming event. We have so much happening with the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma that you’ll want to save the date, date, date, date. Yes, spring is here and the community is buzzing. With warmer weather (and getting back to severe storm alerts), spring is alive and well in Northwest Oklahoma, and it’s showing up before the official calendar date! And with that, we are back in the swing of community and family events.
COLUMN: United Way: 90 years of impact and hope
A friend was joking that January felt like a “month of Mondays.” It always does. After the holidays and a little rest and celebration with the family, we tend to find the beginning of the year full of to-do lists, meetings, events and engagements. At the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, I’d like to think it’s the wrap-up from the prior year and the kickoff to another great year. This past month has been continuing work on planning events and campaigns for 2024. This year is special.
COLUMN: United Way: 90 years of impact and hope
A friend was joking that January felt like a “month of Mondays.” It always does. After the holidays and a little rest and celebration with the family, we tend to find the beginning of the year full of to-do lists, meetings, events and engagements. At the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, I’d like to think it’s the wrap-up from the prior year and the kickoff to another great year. This past month has been continuing work on planning events and campaigns for 2024. This year is special.
COLUMN: 2024 United Way campaign receives big kick start
This year, the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma will be celebrating 90 years of community impact. And this looks to be a major celebration. In fact, United Ways across the country are celebrating big milestones. This month, I hope you will join me in celebrating two of hopefully many we have this special year and beyond. First up, our campaign results from 2023. So many of you came up to bat and hit a lot of home runs this year.
COLUMN: 2024 United Way campaign receives big kick start
This year, the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma will be celebrating 90 years of community impact. And this looks to be a major celebration. In fact, United Ways across the country are celebrating big milestones. This month, I hope you will join me in celebrating two of hopefully many we have this special year and beyond. First up, our campaign results from 2023. So many of you came up to bat and hit a lot of home runs this year.
COLUMN: Thank you for helping us Live United Original
As the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is in the final stretch of our annual campaign, we also pause to extend a few words of immense gratitude to the community, our partner agencies, our supporters and our closest friends. My dear friend, Pat Potts, an Oklahoma City legend in service and philanthropy always says this simple phrase — Thanksgiving is Thanksliving. Living United means that we also live in gratitude.
COLUMN: Thank you for helping us Live United
As the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma is in the final stretch of our annual campaign, we also pause to extend a few words of immense gratitude to the community, our partner agencies, our supporters and our closest friends. My dear friend, Pat Potts, an Oklahoma City legend in service and philanthropy always says this simple phrase — Thanksgiving is Thanksliving. Living United means that we also live in gratitude.
COLUMN: Donating should never be spooky
What a great time of year. It's definitely cooling off. As I drive around Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, I'm seeing just a tiny change in the leaves. I'm also seeing lots of great decorations. People definitely take fall and Halloween seriously here (and don't forget at the end of the season, our wildlife will gladly eat up those leftover pumpkins and gourds). One thing that doesn't need to be spooky is your donation to your favorite mission.
COLUMN: It's never to early to learn about giving
With the coming of fall, our students are back in school, and our routines have shifted. Whether it is sports practice, dance rehearsals, piano lessons or shuffling family members between events, we are all busy with activities. One of the things I have learned over the years is that giving — whether it is simply sharing or the act of philanthropy — is taught. And now is the perfect time to instill this important value and virtue in all of our young friends.
COLUMN: It's never to early to learn about giving
With the coming of fall, our students are back in school, and our routines have shifted. Whether it is sports practice, dance rehearsals, piano lessons or shuffling family members between events, we are all busy with activities. One of the things I have learned over the years is that giving — whether it is simply sharing or the act of philanthropy — is taught. And now is the perfect time to instill this important value and virtue in all of our young friends.
COLUMN: Back to school and still at work
With school in session and many of us settling back into the more typical routine, please know that the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma and all of our partner agencies are hard at work for our community. This is a super exciting time. We just celebrated another big year with our most dedicated donors and contributors at the 2023 Pillars dinner in Enid. Hundreds gathered to reflect on a great year — and to pledge another strong campaign that is beginning now. And we need you.
COLUMN: Summer is time for planning fall UW campaign
It's an Oklahoma tradition. It's been hot, and it's all many of us can talk about! But this hot weather also means that we are in a big part of our planning stages for the fall United Way campaign here in Northwest Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, we kicked off the season of giving — unofficially — with the Bacon Bash at Enid's First Friday event on the downtown Square.
COLUMN: Summer is time for planning fall UW campaign
It’s an Oklahoma tradition. It’s been hot, and it’s all many of us can talk about! But this hot weather also means that we are in a big part of our planning stages for the fall United Way campaign here in Northwest Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, we kicked off the season of giving — unofficially — with the Bacon Bash at Enid’s First Friday event on the downtown Square.
COLUMN: Listening to our community
Last month, United Way of Northwest Oklahoma sent out a survey to our partners and donors to gather feedback about how their contributions are making an impact in the community. We were thrilled — and a bit humbled — by the response we received. Overwhelmingly, donors to United Way of Northwest Oklahoma know that our community can solve local problems with local solutions and local expertise. Donors know not only where dollars go but also what their dollars do.
COLUMN: Gearing up for 'Our Community'
“It’s starting to warm up out there.” Tell me you’re from Oklahoma without saying “I’m from Oklahoma.” The weather is usually one of our favorite topics of conversation, especially when it’s a change of season. As we move into the summer months, I thought this would be a great time to fill you in on what we are doing here at the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma. Last month, I was in awe at the packed house for our annual meeting and awards luncheon.
COLUMN: United Way celebrate excellence
Last week, our United Way of Northwest Oklahoma held our annual meeting and luncheon for more than 275 champions of service. It was our biggest celebration to date, and I am grateful for all who helped make the day a success. We had a stellar campaign last year, thanks in large part to the Dillingham family led by Jed, Peter and Chad. We had 79 workplace campaigns, including a record 21 new campaigns. More than 1,100 donors helped us surpass our goal by more than $100,000 — raising $957,000.
COLUMN: United Way celebrate excellence
Last week, our United Way of Northwest Oklahoma held our annual meeting and luncheon for more than 275 champions of service. It was our biggest celebration to date, and I am grateful for all who helped make the day a success. We had a stellar campaign last year, thanks in large part to the Dillingham family led by Jed, Peter and Chad. We had 79 workplace campaigns, including a record 21 new campaigns. More than 1,100 donors helped us surpass our goal by more than $100,000 — raising $957,000.
COLUMN: Celebrate our giving community on April 20
With spring break behind us, we are well on our way to hopefully some summer fun. We also have some whiplash around "wasn't it just the new year?" Budding trees, flowers and green grass mean those outdoor activities will be ramping back up. Kids will play baseball and a few of us more "mature" folks will be planting tomatoes very soon. This is a time of year where you see people gathering together out and about.
UNITED WAY COLUMN: Loving our community and putting our hearts into it
February is the month of Valentine’s Day, and between the roses and chocolates, it’s a great time to show our loved ones our appreciation.
UNITED WAY COLUMN: Loving our community and putting our hearts into it
February is the month of Valentine’s Day, and between the roses and chocolates, it’s a great time to show our loved ones our appreciation.
COLUMN: A stellar campaign is a big win for our community
I was thrilled to report that last year’s United Way of Northwest Oklahoma campaign was a barnstormer. Together we raised $957,477. Being just shy of a million-dollar campaign was a thrilling way for all of us — campaign chairs, staff, board, volunteers and partner agencies — to ring in the new year. It was more than a hundred thousand dollars higher than our goal thanks to the 1,100 generous donors (including 21 brand new companies represented) who put Our Community first.
UNITED WAY: A stellar campaign is a big win for Our Community
I was thrilled to report that last year’s United Way of Northwest Oklahoma campaign was a barnstormer. Together we raised $957,477. Being just shy of a million-dollar campaign was a thrilling way for all of us — campaign chairs, staff, board, volunteers and partner agencies — to ring in the new year. It was more than a hundred thousand dollars higher than our goal thanks to the 1,100 generous donors (including 21 brand new companies represented) who put Our Community first.
COLUMN: A stellar campaign is a big win for our community
I was thrilled to report that last year’s United Way of Northwest Oklahoma campaign was a barnstormer. Together we raised $957,477. Being just shy of a million-dollar campaign was a thrilling way for all of us — campaign chairs, staff, board, volunteers and partner agencies — to ring in the new year. It was more than a hundred thousand dollars higher than our goal thanks to the 1,100 generous donors (including 21 brand new companies represented) who put Our Community first.
COLUMN: Northwest Oklahoma is one great blessing
With Christmas and the new year just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment and talk about all of the blessings that abound here in Northwest Oklahoma. Even more than our now famous Christ Tree in Enid, hearts are bigger, warmer and more generous than ever in our communities. This year has been an incredible year personally and professionally. The United Way continues to succeed thanks to YOU and our connections and partnerships.
COLUMN: Let’s really activate our gratitude, kindness this holiday season
With Thanksgiving days away, I also want to take a moment to express my own deepest gratitude to our community. We have shown time and time again what it looks like to come together to face challenges and also seize upon opportunities to create a better world for everyone living in Northwest Oklahoma. I call this my attitude of gratitude. November is also the month of our annual Day of Kindness. This is a time of not just reflection but a time of action.
COLUMN: Let’s really activate our gratitude, kindness this holiday season
With Thanksgiving days away, I also want to take a moment to express my own deepest gratitude to our community. We have shown time and time again what it looks like to come together to face challenges and also seize upon opportunities to create a better world for everyone living in Northwest Oklahoma. I call this my attitude of gratitude. November is also the month of our annual Day of Kindness. This is a time of not just reflection but a time of action.
COLUMN: Get ready for a busy fall
I don’t know about you, but early mornings needing a jacket are probably here to stay. Fall is upon us and this means an incredibly busy time for all of us. We know that a holiday is coming up when the Halloween stores begin to open. Parents begin the deliberations with their kids about the most perfect costume and a tough conversation about moderating those candy runs from trick-or-treating. This is an opening bookend to a long season of giving, and I hope everyone has a fun and spooky holiday.
COLUMN: Get ready for a busy fall
I don’t know about you, but early mornings needing a jacket are probably here to stay. Fall is upon us and this means an incredibly busy time for all of us. We know that a holiday is coming up when the Halloween stores begin to open. Parents begin the deliberations with their kids about the most perfect costume and a tough conversation about moderating those candy runs from trick-or-treating. This is an opening bookend to a long season of giving, and I hope everyone has a fun and spooky holiday.
COLUMN: Our community is full of superheroes
If there is anything recent superhero movies have taught us, it’s that it takes a big team to get the job done. Whether you’re watching a Marvel movie with Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-man or Thor or you’re a DC fan rooting for Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman, we get pulled into the epic stories where everyone teams up to save the world. In Enid, this week I saw lots of superheroes.
COLUMN: Our community is full of superheroes
If there is anything recent superhero movies have taught us, it's that it takes a big team to get the job done. Whether you’re watching a Marvel movie with Ironman, Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-man or Thor or you’re a DC fan rooting for Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman, we get pulled into the epic stories where everyone teams up to save the world. In Enid, this week I saw lots of superheroes.
COLUMN: As we return to school, let's live united
Friends, we are officially in that back-to-school mode. And hopefully, we are going to get a bit of cooler weather to go with it. This time of year is exceptionally busy for our families. Whether they have a new kindergartener, high schooler or college student, there is a flurry of activities to accompany the first day. It’s the school supply run at the store, signing up for sports physicals and getting equipment, arranging transportation.
COLUMN: As we return to school, let's live united
Friends, we are officially in that back-to-school mode. And hopefully, we are going to get a bit of cooler weather to go with it. This time of year is exceptionally busy for our families. Whether they have a new kindergartener, high schooler or college student, there is a flurry of activities to accompany the first day. It’s the school supply run at the store, signing up for sports physicals and getting equipment, arranging transportation.
COLUMN: Enjoy summer while getting ready for the fall
With temperatures scorching, most of us are thinking about swimming pools, lemonade and barbecues with family and friends. Kids are out of school and our routines look a little more relaxed. Enid always remains a big hub of activity, even during summer. Our United Way partners here in Northwest Oklahoma continue to serve area residents with incredible programming that keeps our kids active, fed and sustained through the summer when school isn’t in session.
COLUMN: Summer a time for UW agencies to plan for upcoming fall, winter season
As the days get longer and much hotter, many of us are planning that summer vacation, days by the pool, barbecues with friends and sending kids to camp. Summer is here, and for the first time in a few years, we are getting back to those summer plans in a big way. And while everyone enjoys this great summer, we continue to be hard at work in our three pillar areas - education, healthcare and financial stability.
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