Members
August Chamber Buzz
with Chamber CEO Shelley Arrott
The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine. Get full access to all online articles, videos and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
Back to School With the Chamber:
Supporting Classrooms, Students and Educators Every Step of the Way
As summer winds down and classrooms begin to buzz with new energy, the Ponca City Chamber’s Education & Workforce Committee steps into action, lending heart, hands and resources to help our schools start strong. August is one of the busiest and most meaningful months for the committee, packed with programs that directly support students and celebrate the educators who guide them.
One of our favorite traditions each August is the New Teacher Luncheon, held during Ponca City Public Schools’ New Teacher Orientation. This annual event, hosted at the beautiful Ponca City Country Club, is a grand community welcome. It’s our way of showing new educators that Ponca City is behind them from day one. With help from generous sponsors like American Roofing, which is providing 40 meals this year, we make sure every new teacher feels appreciated and supported. Want to be part of this warm welcome? You can sponsor meals or provide Chamber Bucks by calling 580-765-4400.
While we’re celebrating new teachers, we’re also making sure students have the tools they need to succeed. Our Stuff the Bus event, happening Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Walmart, is a true community effort. A real school bus is parked outside, and the goal is simple: fill it to the brim with school supplies for local kids. Each backpack, notebook and pack of crayons makes a difference, and every year our community shows up in full force.
Another vital piece of back-to-school support is our Partners in Education (PIE) Program, which has been connecting schools with local businesses and organizations for over 30 years. PIE Partners are matched with schools and commit to ongoing involvement through volunteering, mentoring and providing resources throughout the year. There’s no other program like it in the state, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to get involved in education. Current PIE Partners are in the process of being assigned to schools, but if your business or group would like to get involved, call the Chamber at 580-765-4400. Our PIE Partner Kick-Off event is in September, and now is the perfect time to join in.
From welcoming new teachers to ensuring students have the supplies and support they need, the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Committee is here to lift our schools during Back-to-School time and beyond. These traditions build more than classrooms; they build connection, community pride and a better future for Ponca City.
Let’s keep showing up and making a difference one school, one student and one teacher at a time!
Don’t Forget, August Is Party at the Palace Month!
Since it is August, I would be remiss not to remind you about our biennial sponsorship Party at the Palace! Remember, we only host our Sponsorship Fundraiser every other year, and we are back and bigger than ever at the historic Marland Mansion! Join us Friday, Aug. 22, for an evening of Hidden Spirits & Local Gems. Enjoy live music by Band #9, live and silent auctions, new and exciting raffle opportunities, flavorful bites showcasing local culinary gems, handcrafted cocktails and exclusive experiences that have never been offered at the Party at the Palace! You will not want to miss this exclusive event! Tickets are on sale now!
General Admission Tickets are $75 each and include two drink tickets and access to entertainment and many new exciting Party at the Palace experiences. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Chamber Office.
Only 50 Golden Tickets are available for purchase for $100 each. Golden Ticket holders will be entered into an exclusive drawing the night of the event. One lucky winner will choose an incredible auction item—no bidding required! Golden Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the Chamber Office. Pick up your Golden Ticket at the Chamber Office.
New this year is an exciting tiered raffle! We are making it easier than ever for everyone to walk away with incredible prizes! Thirty-six Raffle Tickets for $100 or 15 Raffle Tickets for $50. Just wait until you see the prizes up for grabs! You will not want to miss out on the raffle! Pick up your raffle tickets at the Chamber Office.
Contact the Chamber at 580-765-4400, 420 E. Grand or info@poncacitychamber.com
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