A $150,000 gift that contributed to the building of an adaptive sports complex at Tulsa’s The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges was recognized Thursday during a special ceremonial “big check” presentation at The Center.
The gift from the American Electric Power Foundation (AEP Foundation) was presented by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) president and chief operating officer, Peggy Simmons. PSO is a subsidiary of AEP.
“On behalf of the AEP Foundation, PSO is pleased and honored to formally recognize The Center for the great work they do to address the needs of those who have physical challenges,” said Simmons. “The Center’s efforts relate directly to one of our core values, which is inclusion, and how our entire community benefits when we seek to provide opportunities that enhance quality of life for everyone.”
The AEP Foundation’s contribution was part of a capital campaign launched in 2014 that raised more than $12 million. The result of the campaign is the 37,000 square foot Hardesty Family Adaptive Sports Complex, which opened earlier this year on the northeast corner of 11th and Utica, adjacent to The Center’s main facility at 8th & Utica.
“The Center is incredibly thankful to the entire community of supporters who contributed to this campaign. Through the addition of The Hardesty Adaptive Sports Complex, The Center will not only enhance many of our services, but we will be able to expand our reach as well, most notably through the opportunity to serve physically challenged children and youth through summer camps and after-school programs,” said Lori A. Long, executive director at The Center.
“We are most grateful for our relationship with the AEP Foundation and Public Service Company of Oklahoma. Their generosity in the Tulsa metro area and support of at-risk and underserved populations truly reflects their value of ‘putting passion into action, improving the lives of people living in the communities we serve.’ It is because of supporters like them that we can improve the quality of life for many Tulsans, while building a community that fosters hope, health and humanity!” added Long.
In addition to the AEP Foundation gift, The Center earned nearly $21,000 in PSO rebates for energy efficiency, and plans to use the funds to continue retrofitting various aspects of its facilities that will qualify for additional rebates and provide ongoing energy savings.