SemGroup's Failure Could Affect Charities

The impact of SemGroup and its former president reaches all across Tulsa.  The company's bankruptcy is causing concern among many area charitable organizations.  News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson reports dozens of charities in Tulsa, who count on money from SemGroup,  are on edge as they wait to see what happens with the now failing company.

The company and its founder, Tom Kivisto, are major players in the city.

The SemGroup Championship is one of the most visible signs of the energy company's footprint on Tulsa. But, the eight-year old business reaches far and wide throughout the city.

Take the Domestic Violence Intervention Services, its biggest fundraiser of the year is called "Gentlemen of Distinction".

"That fundraising event supports us, all of our operating expenses for all of our counseling programs," said DVIS Executive Director Tracey Redmon.

SemGroup is listed as a Black Tie donor, helping raise $10,000. Executive Director Tracey Redmon says SemGroup's filing for bankruptcy protection is hard news to swallow.

"What that means for us is we have to look for those dollars elsewhere," said DVIS Executive Director Tracey Redmon.

You can also look at Family and Children Services.

SemGroup founder Tom Kivisto and his wife, Julie, are big supporters of the organization. The couple has been giving money since 2004, donating thousands of dollars in the last four years. In addition, Tom Kivisto sat on its board of directors in '04 and '05 while his wife is currently a board member.

One week after Tom Kivisto was replaced as SemGroup's president, he's still listed as a member of the University of Tulsa's Board of Trustees. He's also a member of the Board of Directors for Saint Francis Health System.

A spokeswoman could not comment on whether SemGroup's bankruptcy filing or Kivisto's status with the company impacts his position on the board.

Tracey Redmon says the Kivistos and SemGroup are wonderful corporate citizens and adds non-profits in Tulsa need the company to pull through this troubling time.

"They've really supported local non-profits and I'm sure that brings forth some concern," said DVIS Executive Director Tracey Redmon.

Tom Kivisto was removed from the Board of Directors for Bank of Oklahoma late last week.

BOK's exposure to SemGroup's bankruptcy filing is $147 million, according to a spokesman, but he says the bank has enough capital to absorb any loss.

SemGroup tells us they'll have no public comment for several weeks.