With this week being Oklahoma Christian University’s annual Spring Sing performance, The Talon is highlighting the Spring Sing executive team’s philanthropy efforts. This year, the spotlight falls on Angels Foster Care Network in Edmond, a nonprofit dedicated to building stable foster homes and fostering community involvement for children and teens in foster care.
This year’s Spring Sing Philanthropy Director Alex Saenger shares her decision in choosing to serve Angels Foster Care Network.
“I have friends and family members who were part of the foster care system, both as foster families and foster kids. I had the chance to hear about the good parts and the bad parts of foster care. One thing that they had all agreed on was the importance of having a firm foundation Saenger said,” “Angels Foster Care strives to help be that firm foundation for the families and kids. Angels’ mission is to build excellent foster homes for infants, toddlers, kids, and teenagers while also fostering a strong sense of community engagement and volunteerism. They aim to address the problems associated with foster care, not merely provide a band-aid solution.”
Saenger works with the Spring Sing executive team to organize a fundraiser, silent auction, coordinating with the chosen nonprofit and canvassing local stores and companies for in-kind donations.
“My main responsibilities as the philanthropy director are to brainstorm and decide on a philanthropy project and reach out to the nonprofit picked. I then begin canvassing the area for donation items from local stores and companies as well as work with the Spring Sing Exec team to host a fundraiser and set up the silent auction. Side note, our fundraiser will be at Roots Nutrition from March 2-6,” Saenger said.
The silent auction hinges on student and club involvement; Saenger collaborates closely with Emily Brackett, student leader coordinator to bring the vision to life.
“Emily Brackett in student life is a huge resource that I rely on. Emily and I work together to step up and organize the entire silent auction, as well as help handle all the tedious tasks that come with philanthropy. This year’s silent auction aims to make both a financial and educational impact on our campus community,” Saenger said. “Financially, our goal is to raise funds that directly support Angels Foster Care Network. Educationally, we hope to increase awareness among college students about the realities of foster care and the urgent need for community involvement. Ultimately, we want this event to create lasting awareness while making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children. I also work closely with the exec team, especially Sarah Poage and Amanda Watson, to help make the silent auction run as smoothly as possible, as well as help bounce ideas off of them.”
The primary metric for philanthropy success is funds raised for Angels Foster Care Network. Saenger emphasizes that showcasing this nonprofit goes beyond measuring the amount of money raised.
“Philanthropy’s main success is measured by the funds raised for Angels. However, I measure the success of philanthropy based on the awareness we can raise. I want to help support Angels anyway we can whether through funds, awareness, or volunteerism,” Saenger said.
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