657. Championship Culture Meets Community Impact: The OKC Thunder Story (Erin Oldfield)
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Overview
Meet Erin 🤝, Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Thunder Community Foundation. In this episode, we explore the story of the OKC Thunder’s meaningful impact far beyond the basketball court. While celebrating their first NBA championship is certainly exciting, Erin shows us how the team’s success has become a grounded catalyst for community philanthropy in Oklahoma City 💙
Erin offers thoughtful insights into her journey and how the Thunder builds a lasting legacy, prioritizing sustainable work over fleeting headlines. We explore fantastic initiatives like the Rolling Thunder Book Bus and local court projects. This story shows us the strength found in authentic partnerships and shared values, which are the essential ingredients for creating real, positive change.
Tune in as Erin shares a look at utilizing a large platform as a megaphone for positive stories and true community betterment. The episode is filled with transformative examples of intentional kindness and collaboration, offering valuable and encouraging insights into how purpose-driven work quietly strengthens our communities 🎧
Learn:
The Thunder's recent championship has amplified their community engagement efforts.
Erin Oldfield's background in the arts informs her approach to community work.
The Thunder Community Foundation acts as a megaphone for local stories and initiatives.
Building basketball courts across Oklahoma has fostered community connection.
Partnerships with nonprofits are rooted in mutual purpose and trust.
Flexibility and adaptability are key to successful community partnerships.
Sustainable impact comes from consistent, small acts of goodness.
Listening to community needs is essential for effective philanthropy.
The Thunder's brand resonates beyond basketball, impacting all ages.
Community engagement is a collective effort involving the entire Thunder organization.
“We want to share the Thunder love with more people while ensuring we show up for the partners we’ve built relationships with.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Erin Oldfield's Journey to Community Engagement (02:21)
The Thunder's Role in Oklahoma's Community (04:58)
Thunder Community Foundation: Programs and Impact (07:57)
Building Lasting Partnerships for Community Good (10:48)
Stories of Generosity and Philanthropy (18:24)
Advice for Sustainable Community Engagement (24:48)
Erin’s One Good Thing: Lifting Up Educators (29:17)
Powerful Quotes
"We often talk about ourselves as being a megaphone to tell other people's stories, amplifying the incredible work happening in our community." - Erin Oldfield
"It's the sustainable, measured approach that is going to take us through wherever we're at, regardless of if we're winning or losing." - Erin Oldfield
"We're a global brand with local roots, representing not just Oklahoma City but the entire state, with incredible reach and impact." - Erin Oldfield
"Our community work doesn't stop because our community doesn't either. We're committed to elevating nonprofits 365 days a year." - Erin Oldfield
"We're not just celebrating the championship. We're celebrating the power of philanthropy that has drifted off this beautiful story."- Erin Oldfield
"We believe in the power of sports to transform lives. If there's a basketball court in your community, it's going to bring people together." - Erin Oldfield
"The Oklahoma standard is something that resonates deeply. It's not something the Thunder built; it's who we are at our very core." - Erin Oldfield
"Our best collaborations evolve. It's important that we stay in close contact with what our partners need, tracking impact together to make a real difference." - Erin Oldfield
Erin’s One Good Thing: " Consistent beats intensity, even if it's sustainable, small acts of goodness can outpace one time grand gestures.”
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