The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and its Future Leaders Advisory Council announced a donation of $6,145 to OKCRespond, a program that focuses on ensuring first responders are ready to meet the physical challenges of their jobs.
The donation was made in the leadup to Superhero Weekend, a larger fundraising effort for OKCRespond, at the Oklahoma Regatta Festival. The money purchased 120 ducks that raced in the OKCRespond Riversport Great Duck Race.
Oil and natural gas company employees donated the money at a Young Professionals in Energy social event and during the OIPA’s Wildcatters Invitational golf tournament in September.
Former OIPA Chairman Ronnie Irani, president and CEO of RKI Exploration and Production, was a driving force behind forming OKCRespond.
“They risk their lives for us,” Irani said of first responders. “This is one way we can say thank you.”
OKCRespond helps keep first responders, and the community, safe by providing physical fitness and mental health resources to ensure first responders have the support their high-stress environments demand. The program also provides teen mentorship to break down barriers between law enforcement and at-risk youth.
