Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. painted the town bright crimson for its recent Red Ribbon Gala at Southern Hills Country Club.
Marilyn Monroe, aka Bethany Wright, even came along for what turned out to be a wild and wonderful ride through a night of dining and auction action.
Wright, a Dallas entertainer who plays the famous glamour gal at fund-raisers, helped up the ante when she wouldn't take no for an answer as she wheedled, cajoled and put some bidders on the spot with breathless banter.
"Now, Daddy, that means you right there," she said, pointing with her gloved and bejeweled hand. "Yes, you. You can do better than that."
It worked and she was a five-star hit.
Artist P.S. (Pat) Gordon, who was chairman of the event, told the crowd that it was wonderful to have such a fun party to benefit such a serious cause.
"HIV and AIDS is the polio of our generation," he said. "I recognize the compassion you have, and we are so grateful for your support."
Gordon attended with his daughter, Emily Gordon, and Duane MenNe.
He introduced Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. Executive Director Sharon Thoele, who he called the "Mother Teresa of North Admiral."
Also on the program were Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. Board President Bob Stewart and singer Ernestine Dillard, whose "God Bless America" got a standing ovation.
Others helping make the evening a success were chairman emeritus Charles Faudree; auctioneer John Tucker, there with his wife, Francesanne; and committee members Nancy and Martin Vaughn, Julie and Warren Kruger, Mary Quinn Cooper, Francie Faudree, Toni Garner, Ouida and Robert Merrifield, Maricarolyn Swab, and Nancy Renberg, who is moving to Los Angeles.
Also attending were Suzanne Warren, Phil Long, Diana Boyd, Marilyn and Larry Lee, Leah and Les Horner, Ruthie and Steve Duenner, Jeanmarie Billington and Bill Satterfield, Connie and Greg Kach, Peter Walter, Brenda Welch, Micky Harris, Martha Grimmer, Leanne Helmerich, Mary and Tom Brett, Mary Ann and John Bumgarner, Rosalie and Peter Childs, Brett Swab, Lisa and Gregg Swab, Jeff Swab, Susan and Steve Swab, Tamra and David Sheehan, Mary Lou Doudican, Katherine Sinclair, Kathie Coyle, the Rev. Denis Casey, the Rev. Ken Lewis, Stephanie Luellen, Marty Newman, Bob Cisar, Kirk Holt, Paula Moore, Barri and Dr. Dan Plunket, Martha and Bill Bruner, Nora and Stan White, Mary and Frank Cooper, Camille Quinn, Pat Quinn and Lorri Quinn.
Thanks went to auction donors including Dale Gillman, Charles Faudree, Ernestine Dillard, the Chelsea Gallery, Robert Sacshe, Ouida and Robert Merrifield, Roxana and Bob Lorton, Jimmy Steinmeyer, Gena and Bob Franden, P.S. Gordon, Jackie Cooper Imports, T.A. Lorton, Toni's Flowers, Winnercom, M.A. Doran Gallery, Royce Meyers, Susan Sadler, Ann Garrett, Mitchell Savage, and Michael Smith and SR Hughes.
Thanks also went to Kerry Walsh of Walsh and Associates.
