Our Mission:
Invest to see the community enriched and the Kingdom of God advanced: priority to applications which focus on work in the McAlester, Oklahoma area.
Our Vision:
The Fugitt Foundation is a Christian family foundation established in 2005. The Foundation was established by Gary and Ruyana Fugitt in honor of their son Garrison. The Foundation was established to be faithful stewards of the financial resources entrusted to them. They each want to give God the glory and to make decisions that will be pleasing to the Lord. They want to extend this love and blessing they receive from God and to share this blessing with others. The Foundation shall operate as a private grantmaking foundation organized and formed for the exclusive purpose of engaging with charitable, religious, educational organizations, as well as businesses which ignite hope, compassion, and God’s love to others. The Foundation prioritizes grants to churches and organizations which focus on work in the McAlester, Oklahoma area.
Our Story:
Gary and Ruyana Fugitt, the founders of The Fugitt Foundation,
stand as testaments to an enduring legacy of philanthropy, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Rooted in the strong Christian faith of both founders, the foundation embodies the values that guided Gary and Ruyana throughout their lives.
Gary Fugitt
was known for his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and work. Born into a family that valued commitment and responsibility, Gary exemplified a strong business ethic, believing that hard work and integrity were essential in all endeavors. His career was marked by establishing thriving businesses, such as Big Mac Tank Trucks, where he became known not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Gary also cherished the land and being outdoors, and could often be found on the family’s expansive ranch, tending cattle and teaching many life lessons to his extensive group of colleagues and friends.
Ruyana Browne Fugitt
was equally passionate about serving others. Her family was known for their strong faith and unwavering dedication to community. A devoted mother, church leader and community figure, she worked tirelessly to uplift those around her. Many area churches and faith- based organizations were greatly blessed by Ruyana’s generosity and vision. Her dedication to education and literacy could be seen in her tenure as an elementary principal and also her enthusiasm for contributing to the McAlester Public Library. In her later years, she became especially passionate about her work with housing scarcity and vulnerable women and children, and became a founding sponsor of the The Dream City Community of Hope Transitional and Foster Care Housing Project. Ruyana believed in the power of prayer, and always strived to embody the actions of Christ in all she endeavored.
Together, Gary and Ruyana embodied the values of love, resilience, and service. After the death of their treasured only child, Garrison, their shared vision to honor his life and improve the lives of others in the community motivated them to establish the Fugitt Foundation.
Through the foundation, they sought to extend their compassion to those in need, reflecting the principles of their Christian faith.
The Fugitt Foundation continues to honor Gary and Ruyana’s legacy by supporting various charitable programs, faith- based endeavors and community projects that align with their vision of creating a better world. Their commitment to philanthropy serves as an inspiration to others, reminding us of the profound impact that one couple’s dedication to faith, family, and service can have on a community.
In remembering Gary and Ruyana Fugitt, we celebrate not only their remarkable lives but also their enduring contributions through The Fugitt Foundation, which remains a beacon of hope and support for many. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of those they touched, and their commitment to helping others will continue to inspire future generations.
Meet the Board
The Fugitt Foundation works to extend the love and blessings of God to the community of McAlester, Oklahoma.
We do this by investing in organizations who ignite hope, compassion, and God’s love to others.
Tim Diehl
President
Tim Diehl currently holds the position as president of the Fugitt Foundation. Tim’s relationship with Gary + Ruyana has spanned over 20 years both personally and professionally.
Tim and his wife, Shelly have lived in the McAlester area for 28 years, where they have raised their two daughters, Cassidy and Krysta. Tim is a lifelong Oklahoman; he grew up in Lindsay, OK and then attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
Tim owns and operates Southeastern Oklahoma Realty and has served on Bank NA board of directors since 2007 and also currently serves as the District 3 Commissioner for the Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation.
Tim shares Gary and Ruyana’s passion in helping charitable causes throughout Southeastern Oklahoma and promoting Christian principles which is the backbone to the Fugitt Foundation’s values.
John Monnin
Vice President
John has enjoyed living in McAlester/Eufaula Oklahoma for more than thirteen years. Married to his wife Christine, has three adult children, and also three grandchildren. John enjoys the adventure of being a follower of Jesus Christ and he believes it’s necessary to have regular quiet time with God in order to be a fulfilled follower of Jesus.
John enjoys training for triathlons that he has done with his wife, both of his daughters, and also his son in law. John has taught in Christian schools for over fourteen years, pastored for over nine years, and worked in the mental health field for over sixteen years. Earned his Masters’ in Education at John Carroll University.
John has enjoyed Gary and Ruyana’s friendship for more than thirty five years and knows that they love this community and deeply love Jesus Christ. John believes that the Fugitt Foundation can really be a useful tool to help people know God’s kindness and to help strengthen and support the local community.
Sarah Lance
Secretary
Sarah Hutchison Lance is a grandmother with a passion for caring for and loving people, dedicated to making a difference in their lives. With 63 years of experience, she has helped many see their worth. Sarah’s creative spirit drives her to find solutions and see possibilities where others might see obstacles.
A lifelong resident of the McAlester area, Sarah has deep roots in the community. Married to her best friend for 22 years, she values relationships and cherishes time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.
Sarah’s parents, both entrepreneurs, instilled business savvy in her from an early age. She considers it a blessing to have been an integral part of Gary and Ruyana’s lives, advocating for Ruyana’s health and well-being. Sarah remains committed to this role until Ruyana moves her home to be with God.
She is also grateful for Ruyana’s love for the Lord and her careful attention to honoring God with the decisions made for the Fugitt Foundation.
Sarah remains dedicated to upholding their legacy and ensuring that their mission continues to positively impact lives.`
Michelle Fugitt
Treasurer
Michelle Fugitt, an esteemed member of the Fugitt Foundation’s Board of Trustees, currently holds the role of Treasurer within the organization. With over a decade of involvement with the foundation, Michelle plays an integral part in its continued success and impact on the community it serves.
Founded by her uncle Gary and aunt Ruyana, the Fugitt Foundation holds a special place in Michelle’s heart. Her involvement with the organization is not only a professional endeavor but a personal commitment to the vision and values set forth by her family. As Treasurer, Michelle ensures the responsible management of the foundation’s resources, contributing to its sustained ability to make a positive difference.
Michelle’s academic journey began with her graduation from McAlester High School in 1988, marking the commencement of a path dedicated to education and service. She attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business. She then attended Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center before attending Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she earned the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by the completion of her internship and residency in Ft. Worth, Texas, showcasing her dedication to advancing her skills in the medical field. Upon completing her education and having met all the requirements prescribed by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and having satisfactorily passed the required examinations, she was designated a Diplomate certified in the specialty of Internal Medicine. She was awarded the title of Fellow in 2011 by the American College of Osteopathic Internists.
Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle’s unwavering dedication to the Fugitt Foundation is a testament to her commitment to community welfare and her family’s legacy. Her role as Treasurer is just one facet of her multifaceted contributions, as she continues to contribute to the foundation’s future success and positive impact.
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