Just wear red.
That's what the invitation reads to Tulsa Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support's Red Ribbon Gala, which begins at 6:30 p.m. March 8 at the Southern Hills Country Club.
Since Ouida Merrifield is gala chairwoman, guests can be assured that the dinner menu and the evening will have special touches.
Merrifield is planning a red martini bar, creative cuisine and matchless silent and live auction items. A few surprises are also planned for the evening's festivities.
The Red Ribbon Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. Dinner follows at 7:30, and Jay Litchfield will begin the live auction about 8:30.
Items up for bid include an original P.S. Gordon painting, a piece of Susan Sadler jewelry and a "Year of Flowers" donated by Toni's.
The silent auction will include a Teen Cuisine Class with Ouida Merrifield, a jukebox, original artwork by Sacha Barnett, artwork donated by Royce Myers Gallery and Joseph Gierek's Fine Art, a "Mercedes-Benz & Andy Warhol Package" donated by Jackie Cooper Imports, a shopping gift certificate from Baker Odds & Ends, and a ruby-and-diamond ring donated by Norvell-Marcum Co. Inc.
Among those helping with the event are board members Charles Faudree, Maricarolyn Swab, Toni Garner, P.S. Gordon, Dr. Dan Plunket, Leanne Helmerich, Ernestine Dillard and others.
Bob Stewart is board president. Mary Quinn Cooper is vice president.
Members of the advisory board are Steve Wright, Joel Norvell, Julie Kruger and Greg Kach.
The red attire is a nod to the color of AIDS awareness and a symbol of compassion for those affected by the disease.
The Red Ribbon Gala is the largest fund-raising activity for the Tulsa Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support. The United Way agency has been in existence since 1991.
Sharon Thoele, the agency's executive director, credits the generosity of board members and donors for the difference they make for some of the community's most needy members.
"Without the gifts of thoughtful and committed individuals, we simply could not provide the services we do," she said.
Tulsa CARES serves low-income individuals who are affected by HIV disease by providing groceries, congregate meals, rent and utility assistance, group and individual counseling, and professional case management.
"Tremendous medical advances have been made in HIV/AIDS treatment," Merrifield said. "Still, a dire need exists to continue funding the critical services Tulsa CARES provides residents of northeast Oklahoma living with HIV/AIDS. I am hopeful President Bush's recent directives will bolster our efforts to raise awareness and funding."
Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorship packages and reservations for priority seating are available. For more information, call Rebecca Howard at 834-4194.
In 2002, Tulsa CARES distributed 6,899 bags of groceries, provided 37,587 meals and served 740 hot meals through the congregate meal program. It also provided 161 clients with housing assistance and brought 60 clients into a secondary prevention program that focuses on mental and physical wellness.
Tulsa CARES works with other social service agencies such as the Day Center for the Homeless, Catholic Charities, 12&12, Parent Child Center, Indian HealthCare Resource Center, Family and Children's Services and the YWCA Intercultural Services.
