Renowned electric cellist Marston Smith will entertain throughout the evening when the 14th Annual Red Ribbon Gala is held Saturday at Southern Hills Country Club.
The red-tie optional benefit will also include a cocktail reception, which begins at 6 p.m., dinner, and silent and live auctions.
Smith has traveled the world with a self-designed, six-stringed electric cello mounted on medieval battle armor. He enchants audiences with his colorful personality and creative costuming. He has performed with a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, John Denver, Burt Bacharach and Cirque du Soleil. The Red Ribbon Gala will also feature a DJ for dancing after the live auction.
"The spirit of the Red Ribbon Gala is perfectly captured in this year's slogan - 'One Night. One Cause. One Community,'" said Ryan Jude Tanner, event chairman. "This is truly a one-of-a-kind evening with dynamic entertainment and a wonderful mix of auction items, all to support the Tulsa CARES mission."
Proceeds benefit Tulsa CARES (Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support), an agency that provides social services for low-income men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
Marilyn and Larry Lee are honorary co-chairmen, and Fox 23's Chera Kimiko will be the emcee.
Gala committee members include Pat Chernicky, Kari Culp, Ty Kaszubowski, Jay Krottinger, Robin LaButti, Hillary Parkhurst, Todd Pyland, Susan Rainey, Isaac Rocha, Vida Schuman, Ben Stewart, Amanda Viles, Ally McGinnis, and Bruce Lewis.
Auctioneer Jay Litchfield will lead the bidding on such items as original works of art by Wendy Matson, Tracey Harris, and Marshall Noice, a sculpture by Morgan Robinson, a Susan Sadler bracelet, a gift card and custom designer dress from Abersons, a David Yurman watch compliments of Saks Fifth Avenue, a dinner for 12 in the Forbes Gallery and use of a personal shopping assistant at Saks Fifth Avenue, a four-night stay in a New York City apartment and Broadway tickets, and unique dinner opportunities compliments of Tamra and David Sheehan, Southern Hills Country Club, Evelyn Hatfield, Kathy Taylor, and Monica Basu.
Talmadge Powell will decorate for the gala, and Toni's Flowers will again donate table centerpieces. Other companies supporting the Gala include Saied Music and AVCOM Productions.
"Since 1991, Tulsa CARES has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for those in our community affected by HIV and AIDS," said Sharon K. Thoele, executive director of the organization. "Our dedication today is stronger than ever, but need continues to grow. Money raised by the Red Ribbon Gala will help us continue this crucial work."
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Bruce Lewis at (918) 834-4194 or [email protected] or online at tulsaworld.com/redribbongala.
Original Print Headline: Proceeds from annual gala benefit Tulsa CARES
