Burger is Senior Vice President of Human and Corporate Resources at Chesapeake and helped lead the company’s internal United Way campaign, in addition to heading central Oklahoma’s fundraising drive. Chesapeake raised $5.5 million and contributed the largest corporate donation ever received by the United Way of Central Oklahoma, an organization that supports 62 nonprofit agencies throughout the metro area.

“For many years, the United Way campaign has challenged Chesapeake employees to do more,” Burger said.“In 2005 Chesapeake was the first Oklahoma City company to reach the $1 million mark. That campaign laid the foundation and pushed our company to continue to increase its donations each year. Chesapeake’s goal for the 2011 campaign was not only to surpass our previous gifts, but to show our strong support for an organization that does so much for our city.”

Burger credits generous Chesapeake employees, as well as a dollar-for-dollar company match, for the large2011 gift. Employees donated through payroll deduction as well as by participating in a number of fundraising activities. From an online auction and raffle ticket sale to a “Runway for United Way Fashion Show” and a headliner concert, Chesapeake’s Oklahoma City-area offices hosted many events to raise the record-breaking funds.

“We enjoy tremendous corporate support each year from companies of every size in Oklahoma City,” said Debby Hampton, President and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “Over the years, Chesapeake employees have been there for us, truly emulating the giving spirit. I am always amazed with the ingenuity of Chesapeake’s United Way campaign, and the engagement of so many of the company’s employees. The dedication and generosity of Chesapeake’s senior management team permeates the entire company. We are greatly humbled and appreciative of this gift – it is an integral part of our success every year.”

While a large number of Chesapeake employees participated, the company also had 38 employees join the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way, which recognizes individual contributions of $10,000 or more. This group of Chesapeake employees represents the largest number of major-gift donors in the state.

“We are constantly reminded of the economic, health and social challenges confronting far too many people across our community,” Burger said. “The United Way of Central Oklahoma is a lifeline for many organizations that serve many deserving people. I am honored to have chaired this campaign and been able to experience firsthand the generous spirit of thousands of Oklahomans. I am particularly proud of my Chesapeake colleagues who saw the need and stepped up their efforts to surpass an already ambitious goal.”