Farmers and ranchers affected by recent wildfires are the recipients of a broad philanthropic effort initiated by three state organizations with Oklahoma ties.
The Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association (OKOGA), the Coalition of Oklahoma Surface and Mineral Owners (COSMO) and the law firm of Burns & Stowers, P.C. have united to raise $30,000 for members of Oklahoma’s farming communities impacted by wildfires. The funds will be used as seed money at the Oklahoma Youth Expo auction for a steer donated by the family of Sen. Eddie Field (R-Wynona) of northeastern Oklahoma.
OKOGA member companies who contributed to OKOGA’s donation share of $15,000 are Newfield Energy, Devon Energy, Cimarex Energy, FourPoint Energy, Marathon Oil and Chesapeake Energy. COSMO and Burns & Stowers donated the remaining $15,000.
“Newfield, Devon, Cimarex, FourPoint, Marathon and Chesapeake are some of OKOGA’s most active operators in the area where the wildfires have devastated farms and ranches,” said Chad Warmington, president of OKOGA. “Our companies are proud to support Oklahoma’s young farmers whose dedication has been on full display this week as they worked to salvage what they could of their family farms and still compete in the Oklahoma Youth Expo. These kids are truly remarkable. We urge Oklahomans to come out Friday for this event in a show of support and to help outraise what we’ve put forward for this auction to support OYE families as they rebuild.”
The auction will be held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in the Jim Norick Arena on Friday at 4:00 p.m. The $30,000 seed money and funds raised from the auction will be used to support Oklahoma Youth Expo families who’ve suffered losses in the wildfires. The event is open to the public.
“We recognize the tremendous value of Oklahoma’s vast and diverse natural resources, and the families that help harvest those resources,” said Terry Stowers, COSMO’s Executive Director. “The generosity and caring spirit exhibited by Sen. Field’s children in deciding to donate their hard-earned premiums to help fellow Oklahomans in this great time of needs is very inspiring. We’re appreciative that we had the opportunity to participate with the Fields family and our friends at OKOGA in this effort.”
“We’ve represented Oklahoma’s land and mineral owners for over 35 years. Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers are a touch bunch of survivors, and they will survive this set back too,” said Doug Burns, president of Burns & Stowers, P.C. “But, we’re proud to be a part of OYE’s effort to help give these families a small boost on their road to recovery.”
