Bettering the Community and the Futures of Red Raiders
Texas Tech University’s official motto, “From Here, It’s Possible,” inspires generations of students and alumni. Three OSC team members volunteered at the 3rd Annual Raider Cup golf event to help support those dreams. OSC’s SVP of Business Development Russell Hall, a Texas Tech alumnus, was this year’s event host and tournament director. The Raider Cup, hosted by the Texas Tech Alumni Association Collin County Chapter, is designed to raise scholarship funds for students from Collin County to attend Texas Tech University. “The event is a great way for graduates and friends of Texas Tech University to help support the next generation in their goal of achieving a college degree,” said Russell. Each year, the chapter awards between $15K and $25K in scholarships to incoming freshmen, returning students, transfer students, and graduate students. OSC’s Escrow Disbursement Specialist Katelyn Horn volunteered alongside colleague Tiffany Hall, Lender Solutions Representative at OSC, to support the tournament as a part of Steamboat Group’s Bettering the Community Initiative. This program gives employees of Steamboat Group the ability to use 10 hours of community service time per year to support 501c3 causes close to their hearts. “As someone who has worked for OSC for almost five years, it was a pleasure to represent the company while also being able to support my alma mater,” said Katelyn. “As a graduate of Texas Tech University and someone who has received scholarships, it was very easy to support this tournament to raise the funds for future and current Red Raiders.” Tiffany also felt pride in representing OSC at the event. “It was really meaningful to represent OSC at such a positive community event and be part of creating an atmosphere that felt exciting and welcoming for everyone,” she said. “I love opportunities that allow us to connect with the community while bringing energy and fun to an event that people will remember.” Tiffany and Katelyn handed out free OSC-themed golf balls at the tent.
Bettering the Community: A Smile in a Time of Need
When the tough times hit, a hot meal and a smile can make all the difference. That’s exactly why OSC’s Melinda Bell, Insurance Data Processor, volunteered with the Community Christian Council in Tallapoosa, Georgia. “I chose this organization because it helps people directly in our community, “Melinda said. “It gave me a sense of pride to see these people that are struggling have a smile on their face because someone cared enough to help.” Community Christian Council meets a wide variety of needs for those who need a helping hand. Grocery deliveries, hot meals, personal items, stuffed animals for children, and other essentials help ease the load for those in the community experiencing a rough patch. They can also receive medical care and even help with utility bills from the organization. “I was amazed of all the volunteers from our community working together – from young children to older adults – praying and volunteering their time to make a difference in our community.” Melinda volunteered her time through OSC’s Bettering the Community Service Initiative, a program where employees of Steamboat Group can use 10 hours of community service time per year to support 501c3 causes close to their hearts. “I am thankful for a company that takes time to let their employees volunteer to help the less fortunate or those in a difficult situation become a better person because someone cared,” Melinda added.
OSC the Proud Lead Corporate Sponsor of Reach Out Honduras 15th Annual Golf Tournament
OSC scores another hole-in-one for charity as the lead corporate sponsor for the Reach Out Honduras 15th Annual Golf Tournament April 7, 2025, in Plano, Texas! The four-person scramble held at the Clubs of Prestonwood will raise money for Reach Out Honduras, a nonprofit organization that raises money for kids in Honduras. The funds support their mission of “Educating Students, Changing Futures” through providing education, meals, school supplies, and clothing for the kids in need. OSC’s own Russell Hall, SVP of Business Development at OSC, has organized this incredible charity golf event. More team members will represent OSC at the tournament, including Christy Tranor, SVP of National Accounts, Vicki Koglmeier, VP of Claims and Loss Administration, and Tiffany Hall, Lender Solutions Representative. Additional sponsors of the 18-hole golf tournament include City National Bank, Alliance Bank, and SFMG Wealth Advisors among others. Giving back is at the core of OSC. The company is excited to show continued support for Reach Out Honduras, a mission close to the heart of several OSC team members. To learn more about tee time at this exciting charity fundraiser, please click here.
Bettering the Community Service Initiative: Must Ministries Toy Shop
Giving back – part of the core values at Steamboat Group and OSC. As part of the Bettering the Community Service Initiative, employees of Steamboat Group can use 10 hours of community service time per year to support 501c3 causes close to their hearts. Members of the OSC Call Center team were in the festive spirit as they volunteered at the Must Ministries Toy Shop. This charitable organization helps local families in need to make their children’s holiday seasons a little brighter. Families could sign up to receive three toys, a small bag of essentials – such as gloves or toothpaste – and gift wrap, all of which are donated from members of the community or other organizations. This was the second year for OSC Call Center Supervisors Ari Leon and Latisha Johnson to be a part of this holiday tradition. “I chose Must Ministries because I like that they have a lot of different programs that benefit the community,” said Ari. “It brings me great joy to know that I can use my time to bring some holiday cheer to a family in need.” “Last year it went really well, and we were excited to do it again this year!” added Latisha. Latisha appreciated that this toy drive is personalized for the child, with parents having the ability to choose the gifts and essentials for their children’s interests and needs. “This opportunity was everything to me!” exclaimed Latisha. “The parents know what their children will like and can choose accordingly.” Latisha and fellow team member Heidy Reyes-Suazo were “toy shoppers” during their shift at the toy store. “This means that I helped the parents choose gifts from several categories for each child,” she added. “It felt like I was just helping families shop for Christmas gifts! They were so thankful and appreciative.” This mission resonated on a very personal level to Ari. “My parents raised us with the belief that if you can lend a helping hand then do so,” Ari said. “You never know how much of a difference you can make for someone by doing even the smallest of gestures. I look forward to volunteering my time again with this organization next year.”
History, Family, and Service: A Meat Raffle for Local Fire Company
When OSC team members volunteer in their local communities, they choose to serve in ways that hit close to home. For Vicki Koglmeier, Vice President of Claims & Loss Administration, and Katie Radtke, Loss Draft Associate II, this could not ring truer than a firehouse alarm. Vicki and Katie recently volunteered their time through the company’s Bettering the Community Service Initiative, a program where employees of Steamboat Group can use 10 hours of community service time per year to support 501c3 causes close to their hearts. They served at a West Seneca, New York, meat auction to benefit their local volunteer fire department. Steeped in history, the annual auctioning of pork chops, steaks, chicken, sausages, and more dates back to the very early 1900s. It’s a Western New York tradition. In total, this year’s auction raised over $5,000 for the Seneca Hose Fire Company, a fire house fully run by volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. This company protects OSC’s West Seneca office. What may seem like a fun, annual tradition goes even deeper for both team members. Vicki’s dad has been a volunteer firefighter for 53 years, and her husband is one of the local volunteer fire chiefs. “I grew up – and am raising my family the same – where if a fire or EMS call happens, my dad would leave whatever we were doing to go help,” Vicki said. “This often meant cold dinners for my dad or leaving in the middle of an event or activity because someone was in trouble. It can be hard on families knowing that mom or dad might have to go at a moment’s notice, but our volunteer firefighters truly exemplify putting others first and loving others well when they go to fight the fire or help the injured.” In 2011, Vicki joined the Seneca Hose Ladies Auxiliary, which supports the firefighters by hosting meals, family parties, and other activities to help the families feel connected to their firefighter’s life passion. Katie has been a member for 13 years. “It has been an honor to help the men and women of Seneca Hose, especially my brother who has been a firefighter for over 20 years,” said Katie. “I really enjoy the camaraderie with the ladies and helping raise money for the Fire company to complete the amazing work they do for our community.” “One of my favorite things to help with is our Spring and Fall Meat Raffle,” she added. “This event is always a great time and a great way to raise funds for Seneca Hose to buy the equipment they need.” When it comes down to basics, you can’t separate the meat raffle from the importance of family and tradition. “Many firefighters in our community are second or third generation – my husband being a second generation and my brother being a third-generation firefighter,” Vicki said. “On Christmas Day in 2021, our local highway garage started on fire just after 2 A.M. Imagine missing your kids opening their presents on Christmas Day. Its moments like that, that we hope we can help in the littlest way to help the families know the importance of the work their firefighter does.”