Just like that, December is here. As always, we served our citizens and friends in November -- now with more efficiency than ever before. As we proceed in a time of transition, small things like printing our own checks results in people receiving much-needed funds even faster. That is a tremendous blessing!

Our Sulphur Storefront Improvement Grant is going well. As mentioned last month, we have reached the point of putting money in the hands of Sulphur business owners, totaling $30,000 thus far. And there is much more to come. If you are a Sulphur business owner and have not submitted an application, please do so. We are here to help!

On Nov. 15th we hosted the Expressions in Art Auction at the Ada Chickasaw Community Center. For the first time in over three years we hosted this event in-person. I am glad to say we raised over $7,000 which will fund the Chickasaw Foundation Fine Arts Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Thank you to all who participated!

This time a year we don’t normally deal with severe weather in Oklahoma. For some reason that hasn’t been the case in 2024, with a record-breaking 22 tornadoes in November. Through our disaster relief and recovery program, we disbursed vital funds to families affected by the recent storms and wildfires in Oklahoma. And this is only possible because of our donors.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season, we express our gratitude to our donors and volunteers. Thank you all for supporting the Foundation this year, whether it was with your funds, time, and/or energy. Your assistance is crucial to our mission; we depend on your generosity every year, and 2024 was no different. With your help, we can do the same in 2025. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Sincerely,