I am writing this correspondence as a result of recent events which have taken place regarding a fundraiser which Bethel Foundation was scheduled for this summer, June 14th, 2025.
It came to my attention that an individual who had approached our foundation to volunteer has a criminal background. 
 

Bethel Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization with its headquarters located in Oklahoma City. Our primary mission is to assist families in need through providing free food, free clothes, free toiletries, birthdays, Christmas, scholarships, and baby showers.
 

In 2024 we served over 150 thousand people through these services. 
 

As the Founder & Chairperson, I want to address this directly.
Recently a individual approached me about assisting us with a fundraiser for this coming summer. This event was to be the first that we had ever put on in an effort to raise funds for our charity. This is the first time in 20-years this situation has ever happened. I take full responsibility for not doing a more thorough research.

 

It is apparent that moving forward we must do a thorough background check on any volunteer to make certain they are qualified to work with us, based on this incident to have any type of role in our foundation whatever it might be.
 

Bethel Foundation is a Christian organization where we strive to base our operations on Christian Principles. While we do not wish to judge anyone, it is apparent in this situation that we gave someone the benefit of the doubt when we should have researched that individual more in depth.
 

The fundraiser was still in the infancy phase and no funds had been obtained. We are thankful and will continue to serve families in need in the Oklahoma City metroplex.
 

We shall further our vetting screening in an effort to insure that all persons who participate in any role within Bethel Foundation are qualified to do so. 
 

We sincerely regret the Summer 2025 fundraising event will now be cancelled, in light of the circumstances, which we believe is in everyone’s best interests.
 

Respectfully,
Lynda K Powell