A sold-out Red Ribbon Gala raised more than $575,000 and honored Charles Faudree, a local philanthropist and world-renowned interior designer.
"Charles Faudree's true medium is the human heart," said Frank Cooper in speaking about his longtime friend during the Tulsa CARES' 15th annual gala at Southern Hills Country Club.
"I first thought that Charles' medium was interior design. We would all agree that his talents are unsurpassed. However, after spending time with Charles and marveling at his manner with people," Cooper said he changed his mind.
"My journey as Charles' friend has taught me that true strength is measured by tenderness, that true courage is found in conviction, that true greatness is forged in humility, that true tolerance is the product of understanding, that true compassion is rooted in kindness, that true vision is not just what you imagine, it is how you inspire and what you ultimately create," Cooper added.
Faudree's sister, Francie Faudree Gillman said: "Years ago, someone gave a speech about Charles and said, 'Charles, you decorated our lives.' We thought it was kind of corny at the time. But now I understand he was right."
"Charles, you have decorated our lives, and we love you so much."
Lifelong friends of Faudree and supporters of Tulsa CARES attending the gala include former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and husband Bill Lobeck; Suzanne Warren; David and Pattie Bowman; Rob and Kim Coretz; and John and Julie Nickel.
Major sponsors include the Sanford and Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, Williams Cos., the George Kaiser Family Foundation, John and Julie Nickel, the Steve and Shelly Jackson Foundation, Frank and Gayle Eby, Bill and Susan Thomas, Bob and Gena Franden, Julie Kruger, Patricia Chernicky, the Coretz Family Foundation, Bama Cos. Inc. and Tamra and David Sheehan.
Honorary event chairmen were Tamra and David Sheehan; patron chairwomen were Julie Kruger and Gayle Eby; and event chairman was Isaac Rocha. Talmadge Powell was the event planner.
Others helping coordinate the event were Chris Murphy; Amanda Viles; Todd Pyland, adviser Pat Chernicky; and Seana Murray, Tulsa CARES development director.
Tulsa CARES is a nonprofit organization established in 1991 that provides social services to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Original Print Headline: Red Ribbon Gala big success
