Sample Oklahoma

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | RHONDA THOMAS

PHOTOS BY NESTED TOURS | STORY BY ZACH COHEN

In 2012, Rhonda Thomas had the honor of distributing a sizable donation from the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation. For two years, she spearheaded several events featuring Kevin’s mother and grandmother.

Working with the Kevin Durant Foundation inspired Rhonda. She saw firsthand the impact that the donations had within the community.

“That event was pivotal to show me that the generosity of one is all it takes to change the trajectory of so many,” Rhonda says. “[I want to] continually be a channeling force to change the trajectory of the lives of many others.”

Following Her Purpose

Seven years later, Rhonda came up with an idea that helped bring her vision to reality. Professionally, she was running a local accounting and software training firm, and her accounting work allowed her to foreshadow the challenge that nonprofits faced.

“Changes in tax laws in 2019 meant that nonprofits would suffer financially since many donors would no longer have the tax incentive to donate and support local charities,” Rhonda explains.

Rhonda wracked her brain for ideas. What could she do to help support local organizations?

“I woke up one morning with this insatiable desire and vision of a passion project to be a conduit between the community and local businesses,” Rhonda remembers. “And that is when I rolled up my sleeves and got to work to execute this vision.”

Rhonda’s vision was clear. By connecting local businesses with local charities and nonprofits, she could effectively support her community from multiple angles.

“Shop local, love local, and give local,” Rhonda exclaims. “We had never seen anything like it done before, so we moved ahead with the vision. It has been challenging, but also just so very rewarding to know you are making a difference in the lives of so many. There is just nothing like it.”

SampleOK

"I realized that there is so much more people can do to help others and more importantly, help their local community. I have always had a heart for helping local businesses. I have always felt they are the heart and soul of the community,” Rhonda continues. “The concept was simple: Find a way for local Oklahoma nonprofits to raise funds and help local businesses thrive. At the core, it was really about helping others.”

Sample Oklahoma is an e-commerce business that sells subscription boxes containing Oklahoma-made products. Products ship directly to customers and the net proceeds go to local nonprofit organizations. Entrepreneurs gain a platform to share their story about their business, and their participation supports local nonprofit organizations.

“We at Sample Oklahoma believe the most well-rounded way to help your local community is to help small businesses as well as charities and nonprofits.”

Real Estate: A Niche Solution

In 2022, Sample Oklahoma released a new subscription program just for REALTORS® and financial institutions. By gifting from SampleOK, REALTORS® and other professionals are not only thanking their clients for their business with a beautiful gift, but they are also supporting local businesses and nonprofits. It’s a win-win-win.

“We take the guesswork out of finding the ideal REALTOR® closing gift that most clients would appreciate,” Rhonda explains. “We discover the extraordinary finds and make them available to you to wow your clients. Spend your time helping your client find the ideal home and we will help you provide perfect closing gifts. You can also gift your clients with a three-month or six-month subscription of made in Oklahoma products. It will be the gift that keeps on giving.”

The concept of Sample Oklahoma was born out of the need for a sustainable way for local Oklahoma nonprofits to raise funds and to help local businesses thrive. SampleOK is a marriage of these two concepts, offering a comprehensive one-stop shop for all things Oklahoma. It’s a unique chance for Oklahoma makers, artisans, farmers, and businesses to have a steady flow of new income. To shop local is to SampleOK.

For more information, please visit www.sampleok.com.