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Saturday, August 10th was a day of community, camaraderie, and giving back as First National Bank of Oklahoma (FNBOK) hosted its 3rd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament at the Ponca City Country Club. Each year, FNBOK selects a different local organization to receive proceeds from the tournament and NERA was an outstanding choice for 2025. In previous years, the event has supported the Marland Grand Home and the Survivor Resource Network, contributing approximately $15,000 and $18,000 respectively. This year’s event continued that spirit of service and exceeded all expectations to prove that this event continues to grow. With 29 teams and 116 players, including 13 FNBOK employees, this was easily our largest tournament yet, raising an incredible $20,000 for the New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA).
The event was a true team effort from beginning stages to the final swing. Behind the scenes, the FNBOK team worked diligently to gather sponsors, organize, and coordinate every detail to ensure another successful tournament. On the day of the event, employees took to the course alongside participants, spending a great Saturday greeting players, volunteering, and representing the spirit of teamwork that defines our organization.
“Our 3rd annual golf tournament continues to grow into something really special. When creating this event, I wanted to find a way to connect our business with impactful local organizations, as well as support someone in need right here in our own backyard. We have created something lasting that not only brings people together for a fun day of golf, but to make a real long term difference. Thanks to the outstanding generosity and heart of our sponsors, we are able to truly make an impact for someone through this event. I believe it’s a great example of our commitment to giving back, and we are more than proud to make this effort annually. Our team truly looks forward to it every year!” — Kailye Anderson, Marketing/Bank Officer, FNBOK
“The funds that were raised through the First National Bank of Oklahoma tournament will have a ripple effect for generations. A gift of this size will provide support for over 2,500 people and that means many of our children, grandparents and friends won’t go hungry. Our hard working neighbors have the chance to breathe as they prepare for their other obligations.” – Christopher Radaker-James, NERA Executive Director.
Feeding Northern Oklahoma Food and Hope
NERA is a nonprofit food resource center located in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and is proudly affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and United Way. NERA serves families across 11 local ZIP codes in the northern Oklahoma area, providing groceries and fresh produce to both housed and unhoused individuals. Their impact is vital in a state where 1 in 4 children and 1 in 6 adults struggle with hunger.
In 2024 alone, NERA distributed over 1.3 million meals. Each shopper is greeted and assisted by a volunteer who helps guide them through the process and even helps load groceries into their vehicle. They truly have compassion with each individual and ensure the experience is handled with dignity and care.Volunteering with NERA is open to anyone in the community who can spare a few hours and wants to make a real difference. Their mission, “to fight hunger and feed hope,” continues to inspire countless individuals throughout north-central Oklahoma.
The timing of this year’s support couldn’t have been better. Just a month before the tournament, a major water line burst outside NERA’s main facility, flooding the building and damaging flooring, trim, paint and more. The unexpected repairs placed a heavy burden on their resources and operations, making the community’s contribution through this tournament especially meaningful. Our team was honored to see the proceeds arrive at a time when it could help NERA recover, rebuild, and continue serving local families with minimal interruption.
Continuing a Tradition of Community Impact
We extend our sincere gratitude to every participant, sponsor, and volunteer who made this year’s event a success. Together we’re proving that when businesses and neighbors come together with purpose, great things happen. We feel this event is a reflection of who we are as a community-focused bank and we look forward to next year’s tournament to continue this meaningful tradition!