Think of the dress as red tie optional when the 13th Annual Red Ribbon Gala is held March 6 at Southern Hills Country Club.
Oklahoma's own Sam Harris, actor and recording artist, will entertain at the event that benefits Tulsa CARES (Center for AIDS Resources, Education, and Support). The night will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m.
Harris, originally from Cushing, has nine studio albums and has appeared on Broadway in musicals including "The Producers," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Cabaret" and "Hair." He has also appeared in the feature films "In the Weeds" and "Little Man" and co-created the television series "Down to Earth."
Former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Bill Lobeck are honorary co-chairmen and Fox 23's Chera Kimiko will be the emcee.
Ty Kaszubowski is the event chair.
Jay Litchfield will lead the live auction which will include the use of vacation homes in Jamaica; Park City, Utah; and Watercolor, Fla.; tickets to the Breeders Cup; dinners at historical homes; and many other items including paintings and custom jewelry.
Talmadge Powell will decorate for the Red Ribbon Gala and Toni's Flowers will donate all the table centerpieces. Other companies supporting the gala include Saied Music and AVCOM Productions.
"We have some fantastic auction items this year; however, the most rewarding part of the evening is knowing the money raised goes to a wonderful cause," said Tulsa CARES board president, Pat Chernicky. "We are proud that the Red Ribbon Gala gets bigger and better each year as it enables us to help more people living with this disease."
Tulsa CARES provides social services for low-income men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS throughout Northeastern Oklahoma.
Tulsa CARES provides professional case management and mental health counseling, financial help with rent and utilities, food and nutritional services and even information and resources to help family members of those affected. This year, Tulsa CARES has seen an increase in needs of services. The money raised from the Red Ribbon Gala not only provides a safe place for people to come for help, it also provides services to meet the most basic needs.
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ally McGinnis at (918) 834-4194 or [email protected] or online at tulsaworld.com/redribbon.
