TAUW LEGENDS: John Gaberino
The TAUW Legends video series preserves the voices and stories of those who shaped our first century of service. As part of our Centennial celebration, Jesse Boudiette, president of Propeller Consulting and Centennial Committee member, sat down with John Gaberino, who chaired the 2005 annual fundraiser. He retired as Senior Vice President at ONEOK in 2006.
Join us in continuing John’s legacy of compassion and community impact. Your gift today in honor of John helps write the next chapter of our story, ensuring that future generations will have access to the same life-changing services that have touched so many lives over the past century.
interview highlights
Jesse Boudiette: John, how did you first get involved with the Tulsa Area United Way?
John Gaberino: Our firm was involved in the campaign every year, so I became active in that way. I realized what a great organization it is, how efficient it is, and how it keeps track of the agencies that are part of the organization. I just felt it was really a good thing to do.
Jesse: In recent years, the annual United Way campaign goal is tens of millions of dollars. It can look easy on the outside, but it’s a lot of work. What was your experience with that?
John: Well, it’s a huge effort, and quite frankly, there are a few large companies and foundations that drive the success of the campaign. It’s very important that as many people and citizens who are able contribute something—even a small amount. That’s critically important, not only for the money but for their awareness and understanding of what United Way does. But without these foundations, corporations, and financially capable individuals making those larger donations, it would be almost impossible to be successful. It always seemed that way every year when I was involved. Almost every year, at the end of the campaign, a few entities step up and make sure it’s a success.
Jesse: You mentioned doing this to make our community better. From the perspective of any company, especially a large employer like ONEOK, what goes into your thinking about having a better community for employees?
John: Well, as I said, selfishly, for the company and the individuals, it’s better for this community to help others so that it’s a better community in which we live. At ONEOK, it was always led by the people at the top who were passionate about a successful campaign, not only for the city but also for the company. I think it all starts at the top, and that desire to be involved and to help goes down throughout the company.
Jesse: Sometimes we’re surprised to know that the dollars we’re giving to United Way are helping our coworkers, neighbors, family members, and friends. Did you ever see that the need is closer than we think?
John: Oh yeah, I think you do when you’re involved in the campaign and looking at each entity that’s a recipient, particularly when you’re in the leadership of the board. You learn much more about each organization and what it does. I think most people couldn’t tell you more than four or five of the organizations that are part of that group of recipients, but they know and trust United Way to do that for them. That’s why I think it’s successful.