🌱 Dance Marathon Raises $735K + Rotary Hosts Walk N Roll Event

Hello again, Oklahoma City! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Oklahoma City Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Oklahoma City Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Oklahoma City long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and chilly. High: 47 Low: 27.

Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. This year, the Campus Activities Council's OU Dance Marathon (OUDM) raised $735,214.22 for Oklahoma Children's Hospital following its 12-hour dance event in Sarkeys Fitness Center. Last year, OUDM raised $775,268.21 for children who currently or have been treated for pediatric illnesses — or “Miracle Kids” — and their families. This year showed Executive Chair Jaden Smicklas what OUDM means to the miracle kids, as many of them said they want to be a Chair of OUDM when they grow up. (The Oklahoma Daily)
2. On Saturday, May 14, 2022, starting at 10:30 a.m., the South Oklahoma City Rotary, along with Rotaries in several other cities, will be holding a 5K Walk - N - Roll celebration to support Mobility Worldwide. The Mobility Worldwide organization builds specialized off-road wheelchairs for physically challenged people in developing countries. These three-wheeled vehicles are propelled by a hand-cranked mechanism that enables physically challenged individuals to negotiate rough terrain in villages with no sidewalks or paved roads. (City-sentinel)
3. Oklahoma homeowners who are struggling financially could be eligible for funds through the Oklahoma Assistance Fund. Qualifying households can receive up to $20,000. Since launching on Jan., 1,900 Oklahomans have applied. (KOCO Oklahoma City)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Oklahoma City:

• Oklahoma City Youth Expo - Oklahoma State Fairgrounds (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• While visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo, you may not see some of your feathered friends. In order to protect their bird species from avian influenza, the OKC Zoo is taking preventative measures and temporarily closing all of its outdoor aviaries. (Facebook)
• The Oklahoma Beef through the Beef Checkoff is proud to offer an incentive program to the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) cattle exhibitors for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) or Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. There is $2500 up for grabs and the winners will be drawn throughout OYE beginning Mar. 14, 2022. (Facebook)
• The Oklahoma City Dodgers' new season kicks off on Apr. 5. Join them at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark when you get your Season Ticket Package today! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.