Stillwater Students Raise Over $240,000 for Local Nonprofits
OSU and Stillwater Public Schools students step up for United Way and Turning Point Ranch
Support for Stillwater Nonprofits Sparks Student Fundraising
Students at Oklahoma State University and Stillwater Public Schools stepped up to raise more than $240,000 this spring for local nonprofits.
The OSU Varsity Revue, a musical competition held by the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs office at OSU, chose United Way of Payne County as its philanthropy project, raising a record-breaking $120,000.
“Knowing the funds go directly back to support local programs makes our efforts feel so much more meaningful.”
— Alivia Patty, Varsity Revue Co-Coordinator
Alivia Patty, co-coordinator for steering and production for Varsity Revue, said UWPC has been a long-standing partner of Varsity Revue, and their impact on the Stillwater community made them an easy choice as beneficiary.
“It truly would not have been possible without the support from steering members, cast members, friends, family, and the Stillwater community,” Patty said. “It was a lot of hard work, but so rewarding. We had countless benefit days and even hosted our first-ever Call-A-Thon, which was a huge success.”
United Way of Payne County
UWPC Executive Director Ruth Cavins said her team was “blown away” by Varsity Revue’s fundraising efforts and the students’ talent and passion.
“They dedicate countless hours to planning, organizing, practicing, performing, and fundraising – all while also managing their school and life responsibilities.”
— Ruth Cavins, UWPC Executive Director
“Varsity Revue pairs connection and community with a lively dance tune. The result is a life experience these young leaders will never forget,” Cavins said. “United Way of Payne County is so grateful for this longstanding partnership.”
Stillwater Makes A Change
Stillwater Makes A Change (SMAC), a student-led philanthropic project at Stillwater High, chose Turning Point Ranch as its 2026 beneficiary. SMAC’s original goal was to raise $50,000, but students raised $120,246.80 and counting.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact our students and community have made.”
— Bella Martin and Addison Edwards, SMAC Co-Directors
For Turning Point Ranch, SMAC funding will impact clients for years to come, said Rachel Royston, executive director at Turning Point Ranch.
“The funding will bolster programs the ranch already has in action, including Adapted Riding and the Job Readiness Portfolio program,” Royston said. “The monies will also provide new funding to start the Brooklin Reed Equine Assisted Leadership Development program.”
“Community support means everything to us.”
— Rachel Royston, Turning Point Ranch Executive Director
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