Our 8th annual Rocks & Swing Fore STEM on August 27, 2026, was another fantastic event! We had a great evening doing two things that are important to us — having fun and raising money to support Earth science education in Oklahoma.
With both first-time and returning guests joining us, the event raised just under $45,000 after expenses to support Oklahoma Geological Foundation programs. We had a great turnout and an enthusiastic crowd, including many families and younger participants who joined in the fun this year.
Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and donors
Three groups deserve a big thank you for helping make this year’s event such a success.
First, our event sponsors helped make this our best year ever for sponsorships. Thank you to every individual and company that stepped up to support Rocks & Swing Fore STEM!
We also couldn’t have done it without our many volunteers. We’re fortunate to have a great team that gives their time and energy to make this event happen each year.
And a special thank you goes to everyone who donated items for our auctions. The incredible selection of donated items, including 56 silent auction items and 17 live auction items, added to the fun of the evening and played an important role in helping us reach this year’s fundraising total.
Lots of excitement from our young geologists
This was our second year to have a dedicated Young Geologists’ Auction, and we had a record number of young participants.
Kids had their own opportunity to bid on rocks, minerals, fossils, and other fun items. We loved seeing so many future scientists get involved in the auction, and we’re already thinking about how we can grow and improve this part of the event next year.
Turning one event into lasting impact
The fun may be over for the 2026 Rocks & Swing Fore STEM, but the money raised will continue making an impact.
Support from this event helps Oklahoma Geological Foundation provide grants, scholarships, educational resources, and other opportunities for students and teachers across Oklahoma.
Proceeds from the auction will help put Rock, Mineral & Fossil Collections in Oklahoma classrooms, send aspiring geoscientists to summer field camp, and provide classroom grants for everything from science experiments to field trips. Supporting hands-on learning for students of all ages makes a huge impact on Earths science education in Oklahoma.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored, volunteered, donated, attended, or bid on an auction item this year. You helped make our 8th annual Rocks & Swing Fore STEM another incredible success!
