OKLAHOMA CITY (January 10, 2022) – Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation officials today announced a reimagined community fundraiser that enables everyone in the community to show support for the Oklahoma City Public Schools district. T-Up for OKCPS begins pre-sales of T-shirts bearing the message, OKCPS Champion, and will culminate with everyone participating wearing them on Thursday, May 5.

The event’s co-chairs are Ashley Fitzpatrick, YPO Oklahoma City chapter manager, and J.D. Baker, City of Oklahoma City – Special Assistant to Mayor Holt, said Mary Mélon, Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation president and CEO.

“T-Up for OKCPS brings to life our mission of advancing excellence, advocating for equity and building strong community support for Oklahoma City Public Schools. This campaign is an engaging and inclusive approach to raising funds that ultimately are invested back into the district’s schools, staff and students to fulfill their needs,” Mélon said. “In its inaugural year, T-Up for OKCPS needed innovative leaders and advocates who embrace collaboration, and we have found that in our event co-chairs Ashley and J.D. along with the entire event committee.”

The official T-Up for OKCPS store is open now and commemorative shirts are available for $25 each during a special pre-sale event at www.okckids.com/t-up. T-shirts can be purchased now and will be shipped beginning in April. A limited number of sponsorships also are available for $2,500. In lieu of seats at a one-time event, T-Up for OKCPS sponsors receive up to 10 shirts and their logo displayed on the commemorative shirts that will be worn by thousands of people across the metro. OKC-based Oklahoma Shirt Company will print and distribute the shirts.

“The thought of having thousands of OKC residents in T-Up for OKCPS T-shirts on May 5 is absolutely thrilling, and I believe we are going to make it happen,” said Ashley Fitzpatrick, event co-chair. “Imagine walking into your workplace and your entire company is decked out in shirts and then to the grocery store to find more people wearing the shirts and showing support for our teachers and our kids. That’s what we hope to accomplish with T-Up for OKCPS as we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the teachers, staff and students at all 63 OKCPS school sites.”

“As a 6^th generation Oklahoma City resident, I’ve seen the success that comes from a high-quality education in developing students and helping them on their path to success, wherever that may take them,” said J.D. Baker, event co-chair. “T-Up for OKCPS enables alumni across the nation and around the globe to show their pride for their alma mater despite the miles between them and OKC.”

Mélon said the May 5 date for T-Up for OKCPS was chosen intentionally to coincide with the Stars of Education celebration, an annual event that announces the OKCPS District Teacher of the Year and recognizes the people who do the day-to-day work of supporting and educating OKCPS students The nine OKCPS District Teacher of the Year finalists will be named later this month.

More information about sponsorships and t-shirt purchases can be found at www.okckids.com/t-up.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Created in 1984, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, advocate for equity and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the district and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at www.okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities. 

Media Contact

Addie Chappell | Koch Comm | 405-570-2959 | addie@kochcomm.com